Crossword Genius

Use Volume One when in trouble (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

avail

'use' is the definition.
(availing is a kind of using)

'volume one when in trouble' is the wordplay.
'volume' becomes 'v'.
'one' becomes 'a'.
'when in' indicates putting letters inside.
'trouble' becomes 'ail' ('ail' can be a synonym of 'trouble').
'v'+'a'='va'
'va' going within 'ail' is 'AVAIL'.

(Other definitions for avail that I've seen before include "Be of help or advantage" , "(Of no) use or benefit" , "Serve a purpose" , "Help, benefit" , "Make use, take advantage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.