Crossword Genius

Clutches the baggage (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grips

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'clutches the baggage' is the definition.
'grips' can be an answer for 'clutches' (gripping is a kind of clutching). I am unsure of the 'the baggage' bit.

'clutches the baggage' is the wordplay.
'clutches' becomes 'grip' (synonyms).
'the baggage' becomes 's' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'grip'+'s'='GRIPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grips that I've seen before include "Holds tightly" , "Tightly hold" , "Holds firmly" , "Keeps a firm hold of; travelling bags" , "Holds securely" .)

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