Crossword Genius

Maker of wooden vessels swallowed, but will go along with it (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cooperate

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'will go along with it' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'maker of wooden vessels swallowed' is the wordplay.
'maker of wooden vessels' becomes 'cooper' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'swallowed' becomes 'ate' (swallow can mean to eat).
'cooper'+'ate'='COOPERATE'

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cooperate that I've seen before include "Work to the same end" , "Play ball with" , "fit in with others" , "band together" , "Work constructively with others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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