Is cruel to a wild beast (5)
I believe the answer is:
beats
'is cruel' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'a wild beast' is the wordplay.
'a wild' indicates an anagram.
'beast' anagrammed gives 'BEATS'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for beats that I've seen before include "Tans" , "Rhythms" , "Regular routes for policemen" , "Buffets" .)