Crossword Genius

Sweetener worker fed to patron (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backhander

'sweetener' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'worker fed to patron' is the wordplay.
'worker' becomes 'hand' (hand is a kind of worker).
'fed to' indicates putting letters inside.
'patron' becomes 'backer' (backer is a kind of patron).
'hand' inserted inside 'backer' is 'BACKHANDER'.

(Other definitions for backhander that I've seen before include "Bribe (in court?)" , "court action" , "Swipe" , "strike" , "sweetener" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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