What does the cryptic crossword clue "Tack on board ship — they make slow progress (6)" mean?

The definition is "they make slow progress". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). S (abbreviation of "on board") + NAIL (synonym of "Tack") + S (synonym of "ship -"); definition: "they make slow progress" The answer is SNAILS.

Tack on board ship — they make slow progress (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29155 | 5 Down | 2023-08-22 flower

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