Ropes in volunteers — is allowed (5)
I believe the answer is:
sisal
'ropes in volunteers is allowed' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'in volunteers is allowed' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'SISAL' is hidden within 'volunteers is allowed'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sisal that I've seen before include "Type of fibre" , "Ropemaker" , "Fibre-yielding agave" , "material for painter, say?" , "Plant fibre used for ropes" .)