Crossword Genius

Sew freely lid with flourishes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wields

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

'flourishes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wields that I've seen before include "Holds and brandishes, say a weapon" , "Holds and uses, say weapon, with the hands" , "Exercises (power)" .)

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