Crossword Genius

Pay to have a meal with wine (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

support

'pay' is the definition.
(I know that pay has the is a more specific form of the action support)

'have a meal with wine' is the wordplay.
'have a meal' becomes 'sup' (I've seen this in another clue).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'wine' becomes 'port wine' (port wine is a kind of wine).
'sup'+'port'='SUPPORT'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for support that I've seen before include "Cheer" , "Stay" , "Provide with food, clothing and shelter, or encouragement" , "Help; bear" , "comfort" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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