If nothing needs underlining initially, object to finally providing hint (8)
I believe the answer is:
innuendo
'hint' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'if nothing needs underlining initially object to finally' is the wordplay.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'object' becomes 'end' (I've seen this in other clues**).
'finally' says to take the final letters.
The first letters of 'if nothing needs underlining' is 'innu'.
The last letter of 'to' is 'o'.
'innu'+'end'+'o'='INNUENDO'
'providing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for innuendo that I've seen before include "derogatory reference" , "Insinuation, implication" , "Suggestiveness" , "Malicious implication" , "Rude suggestion" .)