Crossword Genius

Secure the rope to the jetty, it's swifter (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nippier

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'swifter' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are comparative adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'secure the rope to the jetty' is the wordplay.
'secure the rope' becomes 'nip' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to the jetty' becomes 'pier' (I've seen this before).
'nip'+'pier'='NIPPIER'

'it's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nippier that I've seen before include "More sprightly" , "More frosty" , "more active" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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