Couple prepare for ordeal (5)
I believe the answer is:
brace
This clue could be a double definition.
'couple' is the first definition.
(brace can mean a pair of something)
'prepare for ordeal' is the second definition.
'brace' can be an answer for 'prepare' (bracing is a kind of preparing). I am not certain of the 'for ordeal' bit.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for brace that I've seen before include "Support - pair" , "Pair; hand drill" , "Teeth straightener" , "Support or hold steady" , "Pair - wood-boring tool" .)