Crossword Genius

Catch many a snake (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clasp

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

'catch' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'many a snake' is the wordplay.
'many a' becomes 'cl' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'snake' becomes 'asp' (asp is a kind of snake).
'cl'+'asp'='CLASP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clasp that I've seen before include "Clutch" , "Part of a necklace" , "Grasp; fastener" , "Hold firmly or fasten" , "Bar on a medal ribbon" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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