One step saving leader (3)
I believe the answer is:
ace
This clue is a quadruple definition!!
'one' is the first definition.
(ace has a value of one in some card games)
'step' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)
'saving' is the third definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'leader' is the fourth definition.
(thesaurus)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ace that I've seen before include "even higher than the king" , "Top playing card" , "Person who excels, a top card" , "smashing" , "winner in court" .)