Ruined lead production (4)
I believe the answer is:
deal
'production' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'ruined lead' is the wordplay.
'ruined' is an anagram indicator.
'lead' with letters rearranged gives 'DEAL'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for deal that I've seen before include "understanding" , "Soft wood; trade" , "Fir or pine wood" , "Wood - piece of business" , "A port; a (good) amount" .)