Crossword Genius

Key rent is a steady supply (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drip

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'a steady supply' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'key rent' is the wordplay.
'key' becomes 'd' (musical key).
'rent' becomes 'rip' (rent can mean a tear in something).
'd'+'rip'='DRIP'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drip that I've seen before include "Fall in drops - weedy bloke" , "Fall or let fall in drops" , "Fall in droplets -- weedy person" , "Fall from a leaking tap - weakling" , "Leak from tap" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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