Crossword Genius

Gratitude after dropping second vats (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tanks

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

'vats' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'gratitude after dropping second' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'gratitude' could be 'ta' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ta' is present in the answer.
'second' could be 's' (common abbreviation) and 's' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tanks that I've seen before include "Armed vehicles" , "Armored military vehicles" , "Bombs" , "Armoured military vehicles" , "Reservoirs - military vehicles" .)

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