Washing may depend on it (11)
I believe the answer is:
clothesline
'it' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clothesline that I've seen before include "It may be used after 12 18" , "Where washing dries" , "Washing supporter" .)