Crossword Genius

Tie a man in knots with lively effect? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

animate

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'lively effect?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how they can define each other.

'tie a man in knots' is the wordplay.
'in knots' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'tie'+'a'+'man'='tieaman'
'tieaman' with letters rearranged gives 'ANIMATE'.

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for animate that I've seen before include "Eat main (anag.)" , "Make lively like cartoon" , "Inject life into, as with cartoon" , "Liven up" , "Bring to life, like cartoon" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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