Crossword Genius

It really goes if you put your foot down (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treadle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it really goes if you put your foot down' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it really goes if you put your foot down' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
'down' could be 'd' and 'd' is located in the answer.
'really' could be 'real' (synonyms) and 'real' is located in the leftover letters.
A single letter 'e' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for treadle that I've seen before include "Machine foot-lever" , "Foot lever working machine" , "Rocker in a factory" , "Foot lever powering machine" , "requires footwork" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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