Like a poor excuse for a meal (4)
I believe the answer is:
lame
'like a poor excuse' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a meal' is the wordplay.
'meal' anagrams to 'LAME'.
Though, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lame that I've seen before include "Weak kind of excuse for halting walk" , "Walking with a limp" , "Halting or unconvincing like poor excuse" , "Weak and unconvincing like injured foot" , "Hobbling" .)