Push unfit mate to tackle a little tough exercise (7)
I believe the answer is:
attempt
'push' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'unfit mate to tackle a little tough exercise' is the wordplay.
'unfit' is an anagram indicator.
'to tackle' indicates putting letters inside (tackle can mean to take hold of).
'a little' suggests taking the first letters.
'exercise' becomes 'pt' (Physical Training).
The initial letter of 'tough' is 't'.
'mate' with letters rearranged gives 'atem'.
'atem' going around 't' is 'attem'.
'attem'+'pt'='ATTEMPT'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for attempt that I've seen before include "bash" , "Try, hazard" , "Shot" , "Stab" , "bid to kill someone" .)