I want Eli! I managed to prepare for ambush (3,2,4)
I believe the answer is:
lie in wait
'prepare for ambush' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'i want eli i managed' is the wordplay.
'managed' is an anagram indicator.
'i'+'want'+'eli'+'i'='iwantelii'
'iwantelii' anagrammed gives 'LIE IN WAIT'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for lie in wait that I've seen before include "Be prepared to ambush" , "Plan for ambush" , "Prepare to attack" , "prepare a trap" , "Lurk" .)