Crossword Genius

Help dry right out (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aid

'help' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'dry right out' is the wordplay.
'dry' becomes 'arid' (similar in meaning).
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'out' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'arid' with 'r' taken away is 'AID'.

(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "Help or support" , "Relief" , "Good point" , "welfare" , "assistant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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