What does the cryptic crossword clue "Talons hug brutally in attack (9)" mean?

The definition is "attack". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of TALONS + HUG = ONSLAUGHT; definition: "attack" The answer is ONSLAUGHT.

Talons hug brutally in attack (9)

Guardian Cryptic #25785 | 27 Across | 2012-11-05 flower