Flooring somewhat useful in outhouses (4)
I believe the answer is:
lino
'flooring' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'somewhat useful in outhouses' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'LINO' can be found hidden inside 'useful in outhouses'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lino that I've seen before include "'Floor covering, in short (4)'" , "put this down?" , "Floor covering (abbr)" , "Tough floor covering" .)