Polar worker following pipe down underwater bank (5)
I believe the answer is:
shelf
'underwater bank' is the definition.
'shelf' can be an answer for 'bank' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'underwater' bit.
'polar worker following pipe down' is the wordplay.
'polar worker' becomes 'elf' (I've seen this in another clue).
'following' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'pipe down' becomes 'sh' (both can mean 'be quiet').
'elf' after 'sh' is 'SHELF'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for shelf that I've seen before include "Place for book -- or old spinster?" , "Flat rectangular structure in house for putting things on" , "display" , "Rock ledge; underwater bank" , "sort of life" .)