Perfect time to get down (7)
I believe the answer is:
plumage
'down' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'perfect time' is the wordplay.
'perfect' becomes 'plum' (**).
'time' becomes 'age' (age is a kind of time).
'plum'+'age'='PLUMAGE'
'to get' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plumage that I've seen before include "Cover for diver" , "Birds' clothing" , "One's feathers" , "A bird's feathers, may be fancy" , "coat" .)