What guest might do for example, consuming tons (4)

I believe the answer is:

stay

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'what guest might do' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'for example consuming tons' is the wordplay.
'for example' becomes 'say' ('say' can be used to introduce an example).
'consuming' indicates putting letters inside.
'tons' becomes 't'.
'say' enclosing 't' is 'STAY'.

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(Other definitions for stay that I've seen before include "guy giving > support" , "Stop; support" , "last" , "Rope bracing a mast etc" , "Board; continue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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