Crossword Genius

Punches a skinhead in brief attacks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fists

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'punches' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'a skinhead in brief attacks' is the wordplay.
'a skinhead' becomes 's' (head letter of 'skin').
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'brief attacks' becomes 'fits' (fit is a kind of attack. I am not sure about the 'brief' bit.).
's' inserted into 'fits' is 'FISTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fists that I've seen before include "addition to arms?" , "bunches of five" , "Dukes" , "Doubled up hands" , "Fighting tools" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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