Copper, however hard, got upset (7)
I believe the answer is:
washtub
'copper' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.
'however hard got upset' is the wordplay.
'however' becomes 'but' (I've seen this in another clue).
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'got' becomes 'saw' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'upset' is a reversal indicator.
'but'+'h'+'saw'='buthsaw'
'buthsaw' written backwards gives 'WASHTUB'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for washtub that I've seen before include "Laundry room item" , "Laundering container" , "Laundry vessel" , "Copper l" , "Bath" .)
