Naughty mates possibly let off (5)
I believe the answer is:
steam
'let off' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.
'naughty mates' is the wordplay.
'naughty' indicates anagramming the letters.
'mates' with letters rearranged gives 'STEAM'.
'possibly' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for steam that I've seen before include "Kettle emission" , "Gas formed by vaporizing water at 100?C" , "Water-vapour" , "Driving force" , "Mates (anag)" .)