Hit cross back with handle (8)
I believe the answer is:
doorknob
'handle' is the definition.
(handle on a door)
'hit cross back' is the wordplay.
'hit' becomes 'bonk' (bonking is a kind of hitting).
'cross' becomes 'rood' (term for a crucifix).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'bonk'+'rood'='bonkrood'
'bonkrood' in reverse letter order is 'DOORKNOB'.
'with' is the link.
(Other definitions for doorknob that I've seen before include "Turn it to gain entry" , "Turn it to gain entrance" , "Indian antelope; Hun gyal (anag.)" , "Type of handle" , "Latch opener" .)