Short cut for sailor returning to work (3,3)
I believe the answer is:
rat run
'short cut' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Short cut ' mean 'rat run' so perhaps 'cut' could also mean 'rat run'; 'short' asks for a short form)
'sailor returning to work' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'tar' (slang term for a sailor).
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'to work' becomes 'run' (both can mean to operate something).
'tar' written backwards gives 'rat'.
'rat'+'run'='RAT RUN'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for rat run that I've seen before include "Side street much used by cars in rush hours" , "Minor road in heavy use as short cut" , "Side-street short-cut" , "'Busy side-road during rush hour (3,3)'" , "Busy rush hour side road" .)