Crossword Genius

Act as a proud bird might and find new things to do (6,4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spread ones wings

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

'find new things to do' is the definition.
(to spread one's wings is to start doing new things)

'act as a proud bird might' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'act' could be 'swing' (swing is a kind of act) and 'swing' is found in the answer.
'a' could be 'one' and 'one' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'spreads' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spread ones wings that I've seen before include "Develop abilities fully" , "as a high-flyer would?" , "make full use of one's talents" , "Try something new" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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