Crossword Genius

Ropes in fifty-one cats (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lifelines

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

'ropes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'fifty-one cats' is the wordplay.
'fifty' becomes 'li' (I've seen this in other clues).
'one cats' becomes 'felines' (I've seen this in another clue).
'li'+'felines'='LIFELINES'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lifelines that I've seen before include "May 23 [COME TO THE RESCUE], these" , "Means to rescue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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