Given spades, cutting ditches (6)
I believe the answer is:
scraps
This clue could be a double definition.
'given spades' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'cutting ditches' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scraps that I've seen before include "Fragments left over (6)" , "Remnants" , "Discarded pieces of food" , "rows" , "Abandons as unworkable" .)