Watchful figure causing significant fuss about river (3,7)
I believe the answer is:
big brother
'watchful figure' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'significant fuss about river' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'significant' could be 'big' (similar in meaning) and 'big' is found within the answer.
'river' could be 'r' (abbreviation for river) and 'r' is found within the answer.
'fuss' could be 'bother' (synonyms) and 'bother' is located in the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'causing' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for big brother that I've seen before include "TV programme" , "Exerciser of total control over people's lives" , "Autocratic leader" , "TV show - dictatorial leader" , "oppressor, for Winston" .)