What does the cryptic crossword clue "Helps a number of Romans over troubles also engulfing part of US (6)" mean?

The definition is "Helps". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). VA (synonym="abbrev. for the State of Virginia, part of the US") in AILS (synonym="troubles/distresses") = AVAILS; definition: "Helps" The answer is AVAILS.

Helps a number of Romans over troubles also engulfing part of US (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29260 | 21 Down | 2023-12-22 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →