Crossword Genius

He figures to be useful for steering (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

helm

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'useful for steering' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'he figures' is the wordplay.
'figures' becomes 'lm' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'he'+'lm'='HELM'

'to be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for helm that I've seen before include "Steersman's place" , "protection for nut once" , "Steering device" , "Part of ship" , "Steering mechanism" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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