If pears lie badly, this will train them properly (8)
I believe the answer is:
espalier
'badly this will train them properly' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'if pears lie' is the wordplay.
'pears lie' anagrams to 'ESPALIER'.
However, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for espalier that I've seen before include "Fruit tree trained to grow against a wall" , "Fruit tree that grows flat against the wall" , "Lattice-work for tree-training" , "Trellis to train shrubs to grow flat" , "Trellis on which to train a flat fruit tree" .)