Crossword Genius

Stick a knife in bananas from the east (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stab

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

'stick a knife' is the definition.
'stab' can be an answer for 'stick' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm not sure about the 'a knife' bit.

'bananas from the east' is the wordplay.
'bananas' becomes 'bats' (I've seen this in another clue).
'from the east' says the letters should be written backwards (on a map from right to left).
'bats' written backwards gives 'STAB'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stab that I've seen before include "Wound with blade" , "Try - skewer" , "Impale; attempt" , "wound as Casca" , "effort" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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