Crossword Genius

The way to hold many a snake (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clasp

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'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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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