Row putting stick into a hole (8)
I believe the answer is:
argument
'row' is the definition.
(row can mean an argument)
'stick into a hole' is the wordplay.
'stick' becomes 'gum' (gum can mean to glue or stick).
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'hole' becomes 'rent' (both can mean a tear or rip).
'a'+'rent'='arent'
'gum' put inside 'arent' is 'ARGUMENT'.
'putting' is the link.
(Other definitions for argument that I've seen before include "One or more reasons" , "Line of reasoning" , "Discussion - line of proof" , "Quarrel, row" , "Debate - disagreement" .)