Some back-pedal if near the firing line (8)
I believe the answer is:
enfilade
'firing line' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'some back-pedal if near' is the wordplay.
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'edalifne' can be found hidden inside 'pedal if near'.
'edalifne' reversed gives 'ENFILADE'.
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for enfilade that I've seen before include "A lot of shots in a row" , "Fire along whole line" , "Salvo of shots" , "Gunfire from the flanks" .)