Is cruel to a wild beast (5)

I believe the answer is:

beats

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

'is cruel' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'wild beast' is the wordplay.
'wild' indicates anagramming the letters.
'beast' anagrammed gives 'BEATS'.

'to a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beats that I've seen before include "Tans" , "Rhythms" , "Regular routes for policemen" , "Buffets" .)

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