Academic taking tea with an actress (7)
I believe the answer is:
teacher
'academic' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'tea with an actress' is the wordplay.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'an actress' becomes 'cher' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'tea'+'cher'='TEACHER'
'taking' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for teacher that I've seen before include "Chips, perhaps?" , "One who might give lines" , "The trainer" , "supply?" , "School educator" .)