Perform / sing with boy — one that can play a supporting role? (8)
I believe the answer is:
doorjamb
'play a supporting role?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'perform sing with boy one that' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'perform' could be 'do' (synonyms) and 'do' is present in the answer.
'boy' could be 'b' (abbreviation used in schools) and 'b' is found within the answer.
'one' could be 'a' (a thing is one thing) and 'a' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'can' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for doorjamb that I've seen before include "Side post at entrance" , "Entrance sidepost" , "Vertical post by entrance" , "Post beside entrance" , "Side-piece at entrance" .)