Exploit involving record day with unknown going through (4-4)
I believe the answer is:
deep-dyed
'going through' is the definition.
The answer and definition are not the same part of speech. However, adjectives and past participle verbs can sometimes define each other.
'exploit involving record day with unknown' is the wordplay.
'exploit' becomes 'deed' (both can mean a feat or escapade).
'involving' is an insertion indicator.
'record' becomes 'EP' (abbreviation for extended play record).
'day' becomes 'd' (abbreviation for day).
'with unknown' becomes 'y' (algebra. I am not sure about the 'with' bit.).
'ep'+'d'+'y'='epdy'
'deed' enclosing 'epdy' is 'DEEP-DYED'.
Can you help me to learn more?