A ruse to inspire, if unhealthily? (6)
I believe the answer is:
wheeze
'a ruse' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wheeze that I've seen before include "Chest whistle - spiffing plan" , "Struggle for breath - cunning plan" , "Breath with difficulty" , "Idea - breathe badly" , "make whistles?" .)