Crossword Genius

Save key that opens plant (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rescue

'save' is the definition.
(rescuing is a kind of saving)

'key that opens plant' is the wordplay.
'key' becomes 'esc' ('Escape' key on a computer keyboard).
'that opens' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters open a gap in others).
'plant' becomes 'rue' (type of shrub).
'esc' going within 'rue' is 'RESCUE'.

(Other definitions for rescue that I've seen before include "Save from peril" , "Pull from danger" , "Free - recovery" , "Deliver from harm" , "Retrieve" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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