Crossword Genius

In due course consume pickle (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

souse

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

'pickle' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'in due course consume' is the wordplay.
'in due course' becomes 'so' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'consume' becomes 'use' (use can mean to consume or get through).
'so'+'use'='SOUSE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for souse that I've seen before include "dip" , "Marinate" , "Duck" , "Pickled meat" , "Drench" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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