Trainer with slim chances of entering ballot (8)
I believe the answer is:
plimsoll
'trainer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'slim chances of entering ballot' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'slim' is 'lims' which is located in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plimsoll that I've seen before include "Sports shoe; a line" , "Marine line" , "Pump social reformer" , "Light gym shoe and waterline" , "This line on ship's side measures degree of loading" .)