Their purpose is both gripping and uplifting (5)
I believe the answer is:
tongs
'their purpose is both gripping' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'and uplifting' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'togs' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tongs that I've seen before include "Tool for sugar cubes" , "Gripping tool" , "Gripping device with two hinged legs" , "Sugar grabber" , "Chinese gangs" .)