Lion and mule collapsed on the floor (8)
I believe the answer is:
linoleum
'the floor' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'lion and mule collapsed' is the wordplay.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'collapsed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'lion' put after 'mule' is 'mulelion'.
'mulelion' is an anagram of 'LINOLEUM'.
'on' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for linoleum that I've seen before include "Kind of floor covering with shiny surface" , "Type of floor covering" , "Mule/lion cross for a floor covering" , "Canvas-backed floor covering" , "Common floor covering, often in kitchen" .)