Crossword Genius

Strains to understand the footnote (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seeps

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

'strains' 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.

'understand the footnote' is the wordplay.
'understand' becomes 'see' (synonyms).
'the footnote' becomes 'PS'.
'see'+'ps'='SEEPS'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seeps that I've seen before include "Oozes" , "Leaks slowly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app