Crossword Genius

Small animal finally brought under control (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

runt

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

'small animal' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'finally brought under control' is the wordplay.
'finally' says to take the final letters.
'under' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'control' becomes 'run' (I've seen this before).
The final letter of 'brought' is 't'.
't' after 'run' is 'RUNT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for runt that I've seen before include "Smallest animal in a litter" , "Weakest animal in a litter" , "Weakling of the litter" , "little one" , "Turn into smallest of the litter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.