Something in Zappa inspired a serious effort (5)
I believe the answer is:
pains
'a serious effort' is the definition.
'pains' can be an answer for 'effort' (pains is a kind of effort). I'm not sure about the 'a serious' bit.
'something in zappa inspired' is the wordplay.
'something' says the answer is hidden in the clue (I've seen this in other clues).
'PAINS' is hidden within 'in zappa inspired'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pains that I've seen before include "Symptoms of hurt or disease" , "Labour" , "Nice bakery's production" , "Aches" , "troubles?" .)