Backspin not working for leaves (4,3)

I believe the answer is:

nips off

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'leaves' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'backspin not working' is the wordplay.
'backspin' becomes 'nips' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'not working' becomes 'off' (switched off).
'nips'+'off'='NIPS OFF'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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