In the kitchen, it has its upside downs (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
egg timer
'in' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for egg timer that I've seen before include "device for boiler" , "Possible kitchenware" , "Sand-filled device traditionally used in the kitchen" , "Small kitchen sandglass" , "Meter gig for measuring the boiling of hen-fruit" .)