Little folk chopping themselves in half (5)
I believe the answer is:
elves
'little folk' is the definition.
'chopping themselves in half' is the wordplay.
'ELVES' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for elves that I've seen before include "Fairy-like beings" , "Legendary little beings" , "Supernatural creatures" , "Brownies" , "mischievous kids?" .)