Keeps us in bad spots (8)

I believe the answer is:

sustains

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'keeps' is the definition.
('sustain' can be a synonym of 'keep')

'us in bad spots' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'bad spots' becomes 'stains' (spot can mean a stain or mark. I am not sure about the 'bad' bit.).
'us' going inside 'stains' is 'SUSTAINS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sustains that I've seen before include "Supports, keeps alive" , "Nourishes or bolsters" , "keeps going" , "Provides with nourishment" , "It's Susan (anag.)" .)

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

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