Makes great efforts to dissolve tablets (7)
I believe the answer is:
battles
'makes great efforts' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
'dissolve tablets' is the wordplay.
'dissolve' indicates anagramming the letters.
'tablets' with letters rearranged gives 'BATTLES'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for battles that I've seen before include "Campaigns" , "Military set pieces" , "Fights, conflicts" , "Lengthy conflicts" , "Military engagements" .)