The way to hold many a snake (5)
I believe the answer is:
clasp
'the way' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'hold many a snake' is the wordplay.
'hold' becomes 'c' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'many' becomes 'l'.
'a snake' becomes 'asp' (asp is a kind of snake).
'c'+'l'+'asp'='CLASP'
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clasp that I've seen before include "Bar on a medal ribbon" , "Grasp firmly" , "bosom" , "Clutch" , "Hug" .)