In difficulties, one jumps up to protect (7)

I believe the answer is:

straits

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'in difficulties' is the definition.
'straits' can be an answer for 'difficulties' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'in' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for straits that I've seen before include "... of Magellan, Hormuz" , "Sea passages" , "Difficulties" , "Dire --, rock band" , "Narrow channels of the sea joining two larger bodies of water" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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