Crossword Genius

Use yours truly, backing stratagem (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

employ

'use' is the definition.
('employ' can be a synonym of 'use')

'yours truly backing stratagem' is the wordplay.
'yours truly' becomes 'me'.
'backing' is a reversal indicator.
'stratagem' becomes 'ploy' ('ploy' can be a synonym of 'stratagem').
'me' back-to-front is 'em'.
'em'+'ploy'='EMPLOY'

(Other definitions for employ that I've seen before include "Use or take on" , "Use or give job to" , "Take on (staff)" , "Give job to (someone)" , "Utilize" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app