Appreciates help — that’s denied (8)

I believe the answer is:

gainsaid

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'denied' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'appreciates help' is the wordplay.
'appreciates' becomes 'gains' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'help' becomes 'aid' (synonyms).
'gains'+'aid'='GAINSAID'

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gainsaid that I've seen before include "Formally denied or contradicted" , "Challenged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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