Show a bit of distress, obviously (3)
I believe the answer is:
sob
'show a bit' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'of distress obviously' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'SOB' is hidden in the letters of 'distress obviously'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sob that I've seen before include "Cry loudly" , "Expression of distress" , "Weeping gasp" , "Cry uncontrollably" , "Cry noisily" .)