He gives a nod and we’re off! (7)
I believe the answer is:
endower
'he' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a nod and we're off' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'off' is an anagram indicator.
'nod' after 'were' is 'werenod'.
'werenod' is an anagram of 'ENDOWER'.
'gives' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for endower that I've seen before include "generous person?" , "Source of income needed" , "One giving to establish something" .)