What big cats may be, from a safe distance (3)
I believe the answer is:
fed
'what big cats may' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'from a safe distance' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'FED' can be found hidden inside 'safe distance'.
'be' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fed that I've seen before include "Provided food for" , "Nourished" , "Banking authority" , "Provided courses" , "Given sustenance" .)