Want to cover the pair performing in body decorations (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
war paint
'body decorations' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'want to cover the pair performing' is the wordplay.
'to cover' indicates putting letters inside.
'performing' is an anagram indicator.
'pair' with letters rearranged gives 'rpai'.
'want' placed around 'rpai' is 'WAR-PAINT'.
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for war paint that I've seen before include "Make-up's required" , "put on a brave face?" , "Make-up (for native Americans?)" , "Facial decoration showing hostile intent" , "Cosmetics" .)