Crossword Genius

Support professional, giving them money during pandemic (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prop up

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

'support' is the definition.
(I know that prop up is a more specific form of support)

'professional giving them money during pandemic' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'professional' could be 'pro' (abbreviation) and 'pro' is present in the answer.
'money' could be 'p' and 'p' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'up' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prop up that I've seen before include "Support" , "Underpin" , "Keep going" , "Give financial backing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app