Cut willows back (4)
I believe the answer is:
stab
This could be a double definition.
'cut' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'willows back' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stab that I've seen before include "Sudden sharp feeling" , "It could be the death of you" , "Strike with knife" , "Impale; attempt" , "Pierce with something pointed" .)