Offers to take the lot? (4)
I believe the answer is:
bids
'offers' is the definition.
('bid' can be a synonym of 'offer')
'to take the lot?' is the wordplay.
'to' becomes 'bis' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'take' indicates putting letters inside.
'the lot?' becomes 'd'.
'bis' enclosing 'd' is 'BIDS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bids that I've seen before include "Auction actions" , "Offers at auctions" , "Proposals to buy at a certain price" , "Makes offer at auction" .)