Crossword Genius

It is grasped in firm and prompt handling (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nettle

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'it is grasped in firm' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'and prompt handling' is the wordplay.
'and' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and').
'prompt handling' becomes 'ettle' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'n'+'ettle'='NETTLE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nettle that I've seen before include "Upset" , "Stinging plant; annoy" , "Plant with stinging hairs" , "Sting or annoy with the plant" , "sample of herbal tea?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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