Crossword Genius

It may be pressed to gain an admission (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doorbell

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

'it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'be pressed to gain an admission' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'be' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for doorbell that I've seen before include "Ring it to announce presence of arrival in bordello" , "Ring it for admittance" , "Bordello with signal fitted to entrance" , "Visitors ring it to signal to house occupant" , "What one rings to be let in" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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