Crossword Genius

Rushed the fish inside and kept it from drying out (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sprayed

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'kept it from drying out' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'rushed the fish inside' is the wordplay.
'rushed' becomes 'sped' ('speed' can be a synonym of 'rush').
'the fish' becomes 'ray' (ray is a kind of fish).
'inside' indicates putting letters inside.
'sped' enclosing 'ray' is 'SPRAYED'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sprayed that I've seen before include "Sprinkled" , "Sent out liquid in very small drops" , "showered" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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