Work flat out at the laundry (4)
I believe the answer is:
iron
'work flat' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'out at the laundry' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'at' becomes 'in' (synonymous in some cases - eg at school, in school).
'the laundry' becomes 'ro' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'in' placed around 'ro' is 'IRON'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for iron that I've seen before include "Ferrous metal" , "Smooth; element" , "Main element in steel" , "Revolver" , "uncompromising" .)