Step by step demonstration of hard stuff set up (5)
I believe the answer is:
march
'step by step demonstration' is the definition.
'march' can be an answer for 'step' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'by step demonstration' bit.
'hard stuff set up' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'stuff' becomes 'cram' (synonyms).
'set up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (in a down clue, letters go up).
'h'+'cram'='hcram'
'hcram' written backwards gives 'MARCH'.
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for march that I've seen before include "make progress" , "The month for military movement" , "Protest; month" , "that happens fairly early each year" , "Walk smartly" .)