Crossword Genius

Naughty child learning to beg (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implore

'to beg' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'naughty child learning' is the wordplay.
'naughty child' becomes 'imp' (informal term for a misbehaving child).
'learning' becomes 'lore' (both can mean tradition or knowledge).
'imp'+'lore'='IMPLORE'

(Other definitions for implore that I've seen before include "Beg earnestly, beseech" , "Beg earnestly, entreat" , "press" , "Beg earnestly, plead" , "More lip (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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