Crossword Genius

Takes in hand at short notice (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grabs

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'takes' is the definition.
(grabbing is a kind of taking)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grabs that I've seen before include "Grasps" , "Clutches" , "Gets" , "proceeds after a smashing start!" , "Seizes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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