Jack may take Paul in (3)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
tar
'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.)" .)
![](/clue/static/chatbubble/ross-mug.png)