What does the cryptic crossword clue "Hold tightly a thong? No, after changing (4,2,2)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of A + THONG? + NO, = HANGONTO The answer is HANGONTO.

Hold tightly a thong? No, after changing (4,2,2)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17421 | 14 Across | 2024-08-12 flower