Crossword Genius

Supporter providing free can of beer? About time! (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

benefactor

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

'supporter' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'free can of beer? about time' is the wordplay.
'free' is an anagram indicator.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'can'+'of'+'beer'='canofbeer'
'canofbeer' with letters rearranged gives 'benefacor'.
'benefacor' going around 't' is 'BENEFACTOR'.

'providing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for benefactor that I've seen before include "One giving money to a cause" , "One giving money to person/cause" , "One provides bread" , "Patron, sponsor" , "Donor to a good cause" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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