Fixes up crack in middle of desk (6)
I believe the answer is:
equips
'fixes up' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how they can define each other.
'crack in middle of desk' is the wordplay.
'crack' becomes 'quip' (both can mean a joke).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'middle of' indicates the central letters.
The middle of 'desk' is 'es'.
'quip' placed inside 'es' is 'EQUIPS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for equips that I've seen before include "Provides with the necessary tools" , "Supplies" .)