Those grasping old Oriental secret societies, one imagines (5)

I believe the answer is:

tongs

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If this is the answer, I'm afraid I cannot explain it.

(Other definitions for tongs that I've seen before include "Item of tableware" , "Tool for grasping or lifting" , "Implement for picking up hot coals" , "Tool for sugar cubes" , "Fire-irons" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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