Crossword Genius

Get a bit of a grip on a snake (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grasp

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

'a bit of a grip on a snake' is the wordplay.
'a bit of' suggests taking the first letters.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a snake' becomes 'rasp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The initial letter of 'grip' is 'g'.
'g'+'rasp'='GRASP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grasp that I've seen before include "Firmly grip" , "Get hold of firmly" , "Seize, hold firmly" , "Take hold of firmly" , "Follow - understand - seize" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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