Is cruel to a wild beast (5)

I believe the answer is:

beats

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'is cruel' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'wild beast' is the wordplay.
'wild' indicates anagramming the letters.
'beast' anagrammed gives 'BEATS'.

'to a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beats that I've seen before include "Tans" , "Rhythms" , "Regular routes for policemen" , "Buffets" .)

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