Fastenings novices must learn? (5)
I believe the answer is:
ropes
'fastenings' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ropes that I've seen before include "They're known by experts" , "pearls or > onions" , "known to be adept?" , "Onion or pearl strings" , "Lashings" .)