Rod’s out to back it, darling (5)
I believe the answer is:
cutie
'darling' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'rod's out to back it' is the wordplay.
'rod' becomes 'cue' (I've seen this before).
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'to back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'it' reversed gives 'ti'.
'cue' enclosing 'ti' is 'CUTIE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cutie that I've seen before include "Appealing young lady" , "something pleasing" , "beauty" , "Attractive girl" , "Smart girl" .)