Crossword Genius

Help out in a punt (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abet

'help out' is the definition.

'a punt' is the wordplay.
'punt' becomes 'bet' (I've seen this in other clues).
'a'+'bet'='ABET'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for abet that I've seen before include "Aid and help, perhaps in crime" , "support wrongdoing" , "Beat (anag.)" , "Aid - connive with" , "Encourage (wrongdoing)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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