Wife remains, contrary to expectation, lifting cleaning vessel (7)
I believe the answer is:
washtub
'cleaning vessel' is the definition.
'washtub' can be an answer for 'vessel' (I have seen 'Laundry vessel ' mean 'washtub' so perhaps 'vessel' could also mean 'washtub'). I'm not certain of the 'cleaning' bit.
'wife remains contrary to expectation lifting' is the wordplay.
'wife' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'remains' becomes 'ash' (remains of a fire).
'contrary to expectation' becomes 'but' ('but...' can mean 'contrary to expectation').
'lifting' is a reversal indicator.
'but' in reverse letter order is 'tub'.
'w'+'ash'+'tub'='WASHTUB'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for washtub that I've seen before include "Laundering container" , "Laundry room item" , "Container in which clothes are cleaned" , "Bath" , "Laundry vessel" .)