Crossword Genius

How tipsy artist's model keeps still? (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sits tight

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'keeps still?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'how tipsy artist's model' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'tipsy' could be 'tight' (synonyms) and 'tight' is found within the answer.
'model' could be 'sit' (e.g. for a painting) and 'sit' is located in the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sits tight that I've seen before include "Maintains a position" , "is waiting patiently" .)

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