What does the cryptic crossword clue "Russian saint losing heart — assurance wanted (4)" mean?

The definition is "assurance wanted". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. BASIL (synonym of "Russian saint") [gutting: "losing heart -"]; definition: "assurance wanted" The answer is BAIL.

Russian saint losing heart — assurance wanted (4)

Times Cryptic #28678 | 5 Down | 2023-08-10 flower

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