Does it fly on a wing and a prayer? (6)
I believe the answer is:
mantis
'a prayer?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'does it fly on a wing' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'mis' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mantis that I've seen before include "Predatory insect" , "Large-eyed insect, looks as if it's praying" , "It appears to be praying but is more likely preying" , "Praying insect at matins" , "Insect often seen in praying posture" .)