Crossword Genius

Being equally successful as linkmen? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tying

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

'being equally' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being present participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'successful as linkmen?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'successful' could be 'in' (similar in meaning) and 'in' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'tyg' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tying that I've seen before include "Scoring the same" , "Restricting" , "restrictive" , "lacing" , "Binding, fastening" .)

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