Command to stay in one's place -- it's awfully mean (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
sit tight
'command to stay in one's' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'it's awfully mean' is the wordplay.
'awfully' is an anagram indicator.
'mean' becomes 'tight' (both can mean miserly).
'its' is an anagram of 'sit'.
'sit'+'tight'='SIT TIGHT'
'place' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sit tight that I've seen before include "Remain firmly in one's place" , "Don't move" , "Remain firmly in place, take no action" , "Wait and see!" , "Informally, remain sedentary, don't act" .)