Revolution bites back (4)
I believe the answer is:
spin
'revolution' is the definition.
(I know that spin is a type of revolution)
'bites back' is the wordplay.
'bites' becomes 'nips' (nipping is a kind of biting).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'nips' written backwards gives 'SPIN'.
(Other definitions for spin that I've seen before include "present information favourably" , "Rapidly rotate" , "Fish" , "Swift whirling motion" , "Mendacious PR; type of bowling" .)