Crossword Genius

Perils heading off failing and false support (3,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lip service

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

'support' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Insincere support' mean 'lip service' so perhaps 'support' could also mean 'lip service')

'perils heading off failing and false' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'perils' is 'lipser' which is located in the answer.
'failing' could be 'vice' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'vice' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lip service that I've seen before include "It may be paid" , "The hypocrisy" , "getting no proper acknowledgment" , "Insincere offer to assist" , "Insincere praise" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app