Possible cause of a bit of a black eye? (7)
I believe the answer is:
mascara
'bit of a black eye?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'possible cause of a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
'cause' could be 'ms' (Ms. is an example) and 'ms' is present in the remaining letters.
The remaining letters 'cara' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mascara that I've seen before include "Makeup used to darken and thicken the eye lashes" , "could be found in handbag, perhaps" , "Maracas (anag.)" , "that accentuates lashes" , "facial cosmetic" .)