Crossword Genius

They give general assistance to a first-class fellow (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aides

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

'a first-class fellow' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'they give general assistance' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'assistance' could be 'aid' (synonyms) and 'aid' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'es' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aides that I've seen before include "Helpers" , "Military assistants to a senior officers" , "Ministerial assistants" , "Helpful officers" , "Confidential assistants" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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