Crossword Genius

Pike maybe taking small fruit (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spear

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

'pike' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'small fruit' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'fruit' becomes 'pear' (pear is a kind of fruit).
's'+'pear'='SPEAR'

'maybe taking' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spear that I've seen before include "Old weapon" , "pierce with this?" , "Simple weapon" , "Impale" , "mint may be added" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app