Key man uses it as a hanger-on in security work (7)
I believe the answer is:
padlock
'security work' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
I also know that 'security' relates to this answer.
'key man uses it as a hanger-on' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'key' could be 'd' (musical key) and 'd' is found within the answer.
'man' could be 'lock' and 'lock' is found within the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
A single letter 'p' 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).
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for padlock that I've seen before include "security measure" , "Security device for chain etc" , "Security device with key" , "Security fastener" , "E.g. shed, moneybox, fastener" .)