Hard work put in by chef for tea? (6)
I believe the answer is:
effort
'hard work' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'in by chef for tea?' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'EFFORT' is hidden in the letters of 'by chef for tea'.
'put' is the link.
(Other definitions for effort that I've seen before include "Vigorous attempt" , "'Endeavour, exertion (6)'" , "Work - application" , "Try - exertion" , "Attempt - hard work" .)