To point the way can be a dangerous thing (5)
I believe the answer is:
arrow
'a dangerous thing' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'to point the way' is the wordplay.
'to point' becomes 'arro' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'the way' becomes 'w' (Compass direction - West).
'arro'+'w'='ARROW'
'can be' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arrow that I've seen before include "Missile for bowman" , "marker" , "production of Fletcher?" , "Dart; pointer" , "Missile with a straight thin shaft" .)