Crossword Genius

Host needs to get into coach right away (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

entertain

'host' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'to get into coach right away' is the wordplay.
'to get into' becomes 'enter' ('enter' can be a synonym of 'get into'**).
'coach' becomes 'train' ('train' can be a synonym of 'coach').
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'away' is a deletion indicator.
'train' with 'r' taken out is 'tain'.
'enter'+'tain'='ENTERTAIN'

'needs' is the link.

(Other definitions for entertain that I've seen before include "Keep in mind" , "harbour" , "Amuse or take into consideration" , "what the party host will do" , "can be amusing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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