A blow in the face? (8)
I believe the answer is:
headwind
'the face?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'a blow' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'blow' could be 'wind' and 'wind' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'hed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for headwind that I've seen before include "opposing force" , "Current of air blowing into the bow of ship" , "It blows straight into your face" , "Stiff breeze blowing directly in front" , "Contrary breeze" .)