Spend a lot on powder? (4)
I believe the answer is:
blue
'lot on powder?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for blue that I've seen before include "navy perhaps" , "Sad, melancholy" , "Red-headed Australian" , "Terrible commotion?" , "down in the dumps" .)