Secures claws, feathers (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
nails down
'secures' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'claws feathers' is the wordplay.
'claws' becomes 'nails' (I've seen this before).
'feathers' becomes 'down' (down can mean bird feathers).
'nails'+'down'='NAILS DOWN'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for nails down that I've seen is " Clearly defines".)
I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
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