Crossword Genius

Give a hand and dig a pit for rhubarb (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

claptrap

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

'rhubarb' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'give a hand and dig a pit' is the wordplay.
'give a hand' becomes 'clap' (as in giving applause).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'dig a pit' becomes 'trap' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'clap'+'trap'='CLAPTRAP'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for claptrap that I've seen before include "Bunk" , "Stuff and nonsense" , "Absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas" , "Foolish or pretentious talk" , "Empty words" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.