Crossword Genius

What to reach for when a spear breaks? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spare

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

'what to reach for' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'a spear breaks?' is the wordplay.
'breaks?' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'broken' mean this).
'spear' with letters rearranged gives 'SPARE'.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spare that I've seen before include "Thin; left over" , "Extra item just in case" , "Thin; surplus" , "With no excess fat" , "Leftover" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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