Crossword Genius

Jack may take Paul in (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tar

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'jack' is the definition.
(both are informal terms for sailor)

'take paul in' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'take' could be 'r' (abbreviation for 'recipe', Latin for 'take') and 'r' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ta' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Thick, black and sticky liquid" , "Sailor; road surface" , "Informal sailor or road surfacing material" , "Informal sailor or coal distillation" , "Sailor (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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