Crossword Genius

__ out a win: almost lost (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eked

(Other definitions for eked that I've seen before include "... out, made to last through frugality" , "Added to scantly" , "- - out: increased" , "Made, a living say, laboriously" , "Lengthened; supplemented" .)

I've seen this clue in the LA Times.
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