Take huge strides in crucial operation (4)
I believe the answer is:
lope
'take huge strides' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'in crucial operation' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'LOPE' is hidden in the letters of 'crucial operation'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lope that I've seen before include "Run with aid of pole" , "Walk with long strides" , "Take long, bouncy strides" , "Run with a long stride" , "Stride along" .)