Getting caned, sadly, is routine (5)
I believe the answer is:
dance
'routine' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'getting caned sadly' is the wordplay.
'caned' can be anagrammed to 'DANCE'.
But, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dance that I've seen before include "See 4" , "Bop" , "the twist, perhaps?" , "Eg, perform ballet" , "Move in time to music" .)