It could result in deflation being on the way (8)
I believe the answer is:
puncture
'way' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'it could result in deflation being on' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
'on' could be 're' ('on' can be mean 'with reference to') and 're' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for puncture that I've seen before include "Motoring mishap" , "reduce inflation quickly" , "Put a hole in" , "Make a hole in" , "Flat tyre" .)