Closes in on a marine arsenal (5)

I believe the answer is:

nears

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

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

'a marine arsenal' is the wordplay.
'NEARS' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nears that I've seen before include "is approaching" , "Saner (anag.)" , "Moves closer to" , "Draws closer to" , "Comes closer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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