Follows the proposer in support in a very short time (7)
I believe the answer is:
seconds
'follows' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'proposer in support in a very short time' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'time' could be 'sec' and 'sec' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for seconds that I've seen before include "in a little while" , "not for long periods?" , "Gives support to" , "Endorses proposal" , "Imperfect goods at reduced prices" .)