What lions may be, from a safe distance (3)
I believe the answer is:
fed
'what lions may' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'from a safe distance' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'FED' is hidden within 'safe distance'.
'be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fed that I've seen before include "American cop" , "US agent" , "Provided courses" , "supplied with power?" , "Dished up food" .)