Does academic work - that is when the bosses are around! (7)
I believe the answer is:
studies
'does' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'academic work that is when the bosses are around' is the wordplay.
'academic work' becomes 'i' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'that is when' becomes 'e' (I've seen this in other clues).
'the bosses' becomes 'studs' (boss can mean a type of metal stud).
'are around' indicates putting letters inside.
'i'+'e'='ie'
'ie' going within 'studs' is 'STUDIES'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for studies that I've seen before include "Applies the mind to learning" , "academic courses" , "Work done to acquire learning" , "lessons" , "Scrutinises" .)