Washer in the clutches of clasp on gearshift (6)
I believe the answer is:
sponge
'washer in the clutches' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'of clasp on gearshift' is the wordplay.
'of' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'SPONGE' can be found hidden inside 'clasp on gearshift'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sponge that I've seen before include "something to eat" , "Sea animal often found in bath" , "Absorbent item" , "Sea animal often found in bathroom" , "Porous mass for wiping up" .)