Crossword Genius

Put explosives on handle and access passage (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mineshaft

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

'access passage' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'put explosives on handle' is the wordplay.
'put explosives on' becomes 'mines' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'handle' becomes 'haft' (haft is a kind of handle).
'mines'+'haft'='MINESHAFT'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mineshaft that I've seen before include "Vertical hole" , "one's got bored" , "not a feature of 4, 21 [OPENCAST MINING]" .)

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