Crossword Genius

Secures claws, feathers (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nails down

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

'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.
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