Shaky times for tiny tots (5)
I believe the answer is:
mites
'tiny tots' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'shaky times' is the wordplay.
'shaky' indicates an anagram.
'times' anagrammed gives 'MITES'.
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mites that I've seen before include "Widows' contributions?" , "Small arachnids" , "little children" , "Minute arachnids that infest animals and stored foods" , "tots?" .)