Crossword Genius

Plead for three keys (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beg

'plead for' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'three keys' is the wordplay.
'three keys' means three substitutions for 'key'.
'key' becomes 'b' (eg B major, musical key).
'key' becomes 'e' (musical key).
'key' becomes 'g' (musical key).
'b'+'e'+'g'='BEG'

(Other definitions for beg that I've seen before include "Plead or importune" , "Plead or scrounge" , "Implore or cadge" , "Earnestly entreat" , "Get by any means - . . ., borrow or steal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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