First gear? (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
fig leaf
This might be a double definition.
'first' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'gear?' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fig leaf that I've seen before include "Modest cover for nude statues and paintings" , "Piece of greenery once used to hide nudity, as on statue" , "sign of modesty" , "It may be used to cover embarrassing nudity" , "In art, it was used to cover certain body parts" .)