Throw a line to one in trouble (6)
I believe the answer is:
prompt
'throw' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their base form.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prompt that I've seen before include "Refresh the memory -- on time" , "Immediate - supply actor's lines" , "Speedy - help for forgetful actor" , "Supply a forgotten line to an actor" , "Cause; done at once" .)