Crossword Genius

Basic device for securing electric cable, say (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

staple

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

'basic' is the definition.
(I know that basic can be written as staple)

'device for securing electric cable say' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'device' could be 'tap' (tap is a kind of device) and 'tap' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for staple that I've seen before include "Paper-fastening device" , "Pleats in a paper pin" , "Paper fastener - basic foodstuff" , "e.g. rice, sweetcorn ..." , "U-shaped wire to fasten papers together" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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