They're tame, but step back anyway (4)
I believe the answer is:
pets
'they're tame' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.
'step back anyway' is the wordplay.
'step' can be anagrammed to 'PETS'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'but' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pets that I've seen before include "Animals at home" , "Little darlings - step on them" , "Domesticated animals" , "Domestic animals" .)