Crossword Genius

Felt yips when performing, crying out for number one? (4-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

self-pity

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'number one?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'felt yips when performing crying out' is the wordplay.
'felt yips' anagrams to 'SELF-PITY'.
But, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for self-pity that I've seen before include "Inwardly-directed compassion" , "Inward maudlin sorrow" , "(Surgical) cut" , "Moaning about one's misfortunes shows it" , "State of feeling sorry for one's own situation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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