Strike with large handle (4)
I believe the answer is:
hilt
'handle' is the definition.
(I know that hilt is a type of handle)
'strike with large' is the wordplay.
'strike' becomes 'hit' (synonyms).
'with' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'hit' going around 'l' is 'HILT'.
(Other definitions for hilt that I've seen before include "One may back up to this" , "Handle of bladed weapon" , "Sword/dagger handle" , "Handle of a sword or dagger" .)