Backing inexperienced leader, an explosive sort (7)
I believe the answer is:
warhead
'an explosive sort' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'backing inexperienced leader' is the wordplay.
'backing' says the letters should be written backwards.
'inexperienced' becomes 'raw' (similar in meaning).
'leader' becomes 'head' (head is a kind of leader).
'raw' written backwards gives 'war'.
'war'+'head'='WARHEAD'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for warhead that I've seen before include "Missile explosive unit" , "Charge" , "Explosive missile part" , "explosive container" , "bit of a weapon" .)