Crossword Genius

Hand over knotted laces and cuffs (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

manacles

'cuffs' is the definition.
(I know this)

'hand over knotted laces' is the wordplay.
'hand' becomes 'man' (both can mean a worker).
'over' says to put letters next to each other.
'knotted' indicates anagramming the letters.
'laces' is an anagram of 'acles'.
'man'+'acles'='MANACLES'

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for manacles that I've seen before include "Shackles for the wrist" , "chains" , "Handcuffs" , "Fetters for the hands" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app