Universal ID traps down-and-outs (7)
I believe the answer is:
paupers
'traps down-and-outs' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'universal id' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'universal' could be 'u' (film certificate) and 'u' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'papers' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for paupers that I've seen before include "People wanting" , "Poor, destitute people" .)