Crossword Genius

Stay with, as a loyal adherent (5,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stick to

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

'as a loyal adherent' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'stay' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'stay' could be 'stick' (synonyms) and 'stick' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'to' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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