Profit from a mask in a manner of speaking (5)

I believe the answer is:

avail

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'profit from a mask' is the definition.
'avail' can be an answer for 'profit' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'from a mask' bit.

'a manner of speaking' is the wordplay.
'manner of speaking' becomes 'vail' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'vail'='AVAIL'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for avail that I've seen before include "Medal (informal)" , "Serve a purpose" , "Be useful" , "Make use, take advantage" , "(Of no) use or benefit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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