Copper following to provide restraint for prisoner (4)

I believe the answer is:

cuff

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

'provide restraint for prisoner' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'copper following' is the wordplay.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (chemical symbol).
'following' becomes 'ff' (abbreviation used in citations).
'cu'+'ff'='CUFF'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cuff that I've seen before include "Blow - on the wrist?" , "Wrist end of sleeve" , "Sleeve ending" , "Smack; Moonstone sergeant" , "[SLEUTH]" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.