Crossword Genius

Tip off guard to obtain access (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

entry

'access' is the definition.
(entry is a kind of access)

'tip off guard' is the wordplay.
'tip off' means to remove the first letter (the first letter or 'tip' is removed).
'guard' becomes 'sentry' (sentry is a kind of guard).
'sentry' with its initial letter taken away is 'ENTRY'.

'to obtain' is the link.

(Other definitions for entry that I've seen before include "vestibule" , "contestant" , "candidate" , "Ingress, portal" , "all runners" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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