Close to a score? (8)
I believe the answer is:
nineteen
'close' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a score?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'score?' could be 'net' (both can mean to obtain or secure) and 'net' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nineteen that I've seen before include "after the round, the number for the next round?" , "No. talked to the dozen" , "12 + 7" , "To talk - to the dozen is to do so volubly" , "Highest teenage age" .)