Crossword Genius

Stops and stands taking second short (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

restricts

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

'stops' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'stands taking second short' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'second' could be 're' (prefix meaning second in eg review, re-education) and 're' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for restricts that I've seen before include "Places limits on" , "Puts a limit on" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app