Crossword Genius

Help steal American’s purse (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

handbag

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

'american's purse' is the definition.
'handbag' can be an answer for 'purse' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'american's' bit.

'help steal' is the wordplay.
'help' becomes 'hand' (hand is a kind of help).
'steal' becomes 'bag' (bagging is a kind of stealing).
'hand'+'bag'='HANDBAG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for handbag that I've seen before include "Woman's accessory" , "Fashion accessory" , "Purse (in the American sense)" , "Woman's receptacle for carrying personal items" , "Small carrier of personal items" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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