Prod top of log into fire (4)
I believe the answer is:
axle
'prod' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'top of log into fire' is the wordplay.
'top of' suggests taking the first letters.
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'fire' becomes 'axe' (I've seen this before).
The initial letter of 'log' is 'l'.
'l' inserted into 'axe' is 'AXLE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for axle that I've seen before include "Rod bearing wheels" , "Bar on which wheel revolves" , "Shaft on which wheels rotate" , "Mandrel" , "Rod connecting wheels" .)