Check behind rocks for possible sign of distress (7)
I believe the answer is:
screech
'possible sign of distress' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
'check behind rocks' is the wordplay.
'check' becomes 'ch' (abbreviation).
'behind' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'rocks' becomes 'scree' (rocks on the slope of a mountain).
'ch' put after 'scree' is 'SCREECH'.
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for screech that I've seen before include "Outcry" , "cry of horror" , "Yell" , "Shriek" , "Raucous sound" .)