Crossword Genius

Makes up for having no eats? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atones

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'makes up for' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'no eats?' is the wordplay.
'no eats' anagrams to 'ATONES'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'having' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atones that I've seen before include "Make amends for sin" , "Makes up for wrong done with a stone" , "Makes amends for sin" , "Makes redress" , "Makes up for, say sin" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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