Resort to oral exam - permit is returned (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
tel aviv
'resort' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'oral exam permit is returned' is the wordplay.
'oral exam' becomes 'viva' (I've seen this before).
'permit' becomes 'let' (synonyms).
'is returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'viva'+'let'='vivalet'
'vivalet' in reverse letter order is 'TEL AVIV'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tel aviv that I've seen before include "Israel's administrative capital" , "Major city of Israel" , "City of Israel with main airport" , "Capital of Israel" , "Second largest city of Israel" .)