### Clue: This will help prisoner grapple with gradient (7)
### Answer: CRAMPON 
 ### Explanation: Definition: This will help,grapple with gradient
  CON(short form for convict,prisoner) **containing**(grapple with) RAMP(a slope,gradient). 
Answer: Spiked iron plate worn with shoes to help,grapple with climbing slopes,gradients.  A WIWD(wordplay intertwined with definition) clue.  Nice surface – but crampons or no, that will be one hard gradient for any prisoner to climb if he/she wants out.