A loss-making loop line (5)
I believe the answer is:
lasso
'loop line' is the definition.
'lasso' can be an answer for 'loop' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'line' bit.
'a loss-making' is the wordplay.
'making' is an anagram indicator.
'a'+'loss'='aloss'
'aloss' anagrammed gives 'LASSO'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lasso that I've seen before include "Rope for a cowboy" , "Nosed rope" , "Catch (steers) with a rope" , "Cow-catching rope?" , "something to catch beast liable to run off" .)