Exploit old lady cuddling small pet (12)
I believe the answer is:
masterstroke
'exploit' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'old lady cuddling small pet' is the wordplay.
'old lady' becomes 'mater' (old-fashioned term for one's mother).
'cuddling' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are cuddled or held).
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'pet' becomes 'stroke' (I've seen this in another clue).
'mater' enclosing 's' is 'master'.
'master'+'stroke'='MASTERSTROKE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for masterstroke that I've seen before include "outstanding piece of strategy" , "Brilliant act" , "Clever idea" .)