Leading off in file (7)
I believe the answer is:
aligned
'leading off in file' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'leading off' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'leading' with letters rearranged gives 'ALIGNED'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aligned that I've seen before include "made to toe the line" , "in a row" , "Linearly positioned" , "Placed in the right relative position" , "Brought into the correct relationship (with)" .)