___ out a victory (barely wins) (4)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
ekes
(Other definitions for ekes that I've seen before include "...out a living, barely makes do" , "- - out: stretches" , "Rab C's extras" , "Makes supplies last longer" , "Lengthens (out)" .)