I would return emphasis, using a sling as a cry for help (8,6)
I believe the answer is:
distress signal
'a cry for help' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'i would return emphasis using a sling' is the wordplay.
'i would' becomes 'I'd'.
'return' is a reversal indicator.
'emphasis' becomes 'stress' (stress is a kind of emphasis).
'using' indicates anagramming the letters (the letters used in a different way).
'id' reversed gives 'di'.
'a'+'sling'='asling'
'asling' with letters rearranged gives 'signal'.
'di'+'stress'+'signal'='DISTRESS SIGNAL'
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for distress signal that I've seen is " indication that urgent help is needed".)