Crossword Genius

Tool he'd made of use to climbers (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toehold

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'tool he'd made of use to climbers' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'tool he'd made of' is the wordplay.
'made of' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tool'+'hed'='toolhed'
'toolhed' with letters rearranged gives 'TOEHOLD'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toehold that I've seen before include "Minor position from which further progress may be made" , "Precarious footing?" , "Position of initial advantage from which further substantial progress might be made" , "Small established position" , "Advantageous position" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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