Applaud about 1000 - it holds things together (5)

I believe the answer is:

clamp

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'it holds things together' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'applaud about 1000' is the wordplay.
'applaud' becomes 'clap' (synonyms).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'1000' becomes 'M' (Roman numeral).
'clap' placed around 'm' is 'CLAMP'.

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(Other definitions for clamp that I've seen before include "Car immobiliser" , "that stops one from driving?" , "Immobilise (wheels)" , "Immobilise car - potato store" , "Fix firmly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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