It helps tramp for example to settle down (7)
I believe the answer is:
ballast
'settle down' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'it helps tramp for example' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
'example' could be 'as' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'as' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ball' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ballast that I've seen before include "Weight to stabilise a ship" , "Steadying weight found at balls" , "Weight to steady ship" , "Stabilising weight (naut.)" , "Stabilising material" .)