Bird on atoll in tangle? (4,4)
I believe the answer is:
reef knot
'bird on atoll in tangle?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'bird on atoll in' is the wordplay.
'bird' becomes 'knot' (knot is a kind of bird).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'atoll in' becomes 'reef' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'knot' after 'reef' is 'REEF-KNOT'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reef knot that I've seen before include "Way of securing a rope" , "Simple way to secure two rope ends" , "secure hold" , "Fastening used by sailors" , "Something to secure sails" .)