Shoe uppers a botcher's 'helping' to make (5)
I believe the answer is:
sabot
'make' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'shoe uppers a botcher's helping' is the wordplay.
'helping' says the answer is hidden in the clue (a helping or portion of the letters).
'SABOT' is hidden within 'shoe uppers a botchers'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sabot that I've seen before include "Wooden clog" , "French wooden shoe" , "Boast about wooden shoe" , "Wooden-soled 13 down" , "footwear from Paris" .)