Take down what's caught up in fire tongs (4)
I believe the answer is:
note
'take down' is the definition.
('note' can be a synonym of 'take down')
'up in fire tongs' is the wordplay.
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'eton' is hidden in the letters of 'fire tongs'.
'eton' reversed gives 'NOTE'.
'what's caught' acts as a link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for note that I've seen before include "Pay attention to, tone" , "Observe; paper money" , "Cash" , "Detect and remember" , "Short record or letter" .)