Plug stops leak in daring exploit (8)
I believe the answer is:
escapade
'daring exploit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'plug stops leak' is the wordplay.
'plug' becomes 'ad' (as in plugging a product).
'stops' indicates putting letters inside (stopping can mean blocking a gap).
'leak' becomes 'escape' (I've seen this before).
'ad' going inside 'escape' is 'ESCAPADE'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for escapade that I've seen before include "Jolly jape" , "Piece of reckless mischief" , "Caper" , "A reckless or mischievous adventure" , "Wild prank" .)