Crossword Genius

To keep going with the metal work, a second wind is essential (7,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soldier on

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

'to keep going' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'metal work a second wind is essential' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'metal' could be 'er' (Er is an example) and 'er' is found in the answer.
'second' could be 's' (common abbreviation) and 's' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'with the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for soldier on that I've seen before include "keep going" , "Don't give up" , "Persist in spite of difficulties" , "... to bear up" , "plug away" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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