Though bitter, help out with credit (5)

I believe the answer is:

acrid

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'though bitter' is the definition.
'acrid' can be an answer for 'bitter' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'though' bit.

'help out with credit' is the wordplay.
'help out' becomes 'aid' (I've seen this in another clue).
'with' indicates putting letters inside.
'credit' becomes 'cr'.
'aid' going around 'cr' is 'ACRID'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acrid that I've seen before include "Painfully pungent" , "Greek goddess" , "Strong and sharp-smelling" , "Sharp - biting" , "Sarcastic" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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