Clip it here around spongy lining (4)
I believe the answer is:
pith
'spongy lining' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'clip it here around' is the wordplay.
'around' indicates a hidden word.
'PITH' is hidden in the letters of 'clip it here'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pith that I've seen before include "White inner skin of an orange" , "Soft tissue; essence" , "Essence; tissue inside rind" , "nub of matter" , "Tissue inside the rind of citrus fruits" .)