Crossword Genius

When the heart flutters, it's through groping (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

palpitation

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

'through groping' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'when the heart flutters it's' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'when' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is found in the answer.
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found in the answer.
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for palpitation that I've seen before include "Rapid irregular heartbeat" , "quivery state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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