Shovel to function in gardening (9)
I believe the answer is:
spadework
'gardening' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'shovel to function' is the wordplay.
'shovel' becomes 'spade' (I've seen this before).
'to function' becomes 'work' ('work' can be a synonym of 'function').
'spade'+'work'='SPADEWORK'
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spadework that I've seen before include "Routine preparations for an undertaking" , "Preparatory labour (in the garden?)" , "Arduous but necessary preparation" , "Routine preparation" , "Necessary preparation - digging?" .)