Crossword Genius

Terrapins when swimming breathe through the skin (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

transpire

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

'skin' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to bodily activities as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'terrapins when swimming breathe through the' is the wordplay.
'terrapins' can be anagrammed to 'TRANSPIRE'.
Though, I am unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for transpire that I've seen before include "Terrapins (anag)" , "exhale" , "Come to pass" , "Happen[s]" , "Become known about terrapins" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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