Makes a mess of a Schubert variation (8)
I believe the answer is:
butchers
'makes a mess' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't see how one could define the other.
'schubert variation' is the wordplay.
'variation' indicates anagramming the letters.
'schubert' with letters rearranged gives 'BUTCHERS'.
'of a' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for butchers that I've seen before include "Retailers of meat" , "Sellers of meat (look!)" , "kills cruelly" , "Look (cockney slang) -- Smithfield workers" , "They prepare and/or sell meat" .)