Homes built in spring succeeded in goals (5)
I believe the answer is:
nests
'homes built in spring' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'succeeded in goals' is the wordplay.
'succeeded' becomes 's' (genealogical abbreviation).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'goals' becomes 'nets' (net is a kind of goal).
's' going within 'nets' is 'NESTS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nests that I've seen before include "Cosy secluded retreats" , "Settles comfortably into, as birds do" , "Lodges" , "Places to rear the young?" , "Sets of small tables that fit closely together" .)