Crossword Genius

Temporarily secures an obligation in speech (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tacks

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

'temporarily secures' is the definition.
'tacks' can be an answer for 'secures' (tacking is a kind of securing). I'm not sure about the 'temporarily' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tacks that I've seen before include "They fix" , "Approaches" , "They secure" , "Shorts nails with big heads" , "a few points" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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