Crossword Genius

Pays for all and gives lift to betting shop (5,2,3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

picks up the tab

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gives lift to betting shop' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'pays for all' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'pays' could be 'picks' (picking is a kind of paying) and 'picks' is found within the answer.
'for all' could be 'u' (Universal film certificate - suitable for all) and 'u' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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