Work hard in attempt to win this? (6)
I believe the answer is:
trophy
'win this?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'work hard in attempt' is the wordplay.
'work' becomes 'op' (abbreviation for opus).
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'attempt' becomes 'try' (synonyms).
'op'+'h'='oph'
'oph' going within 'try' is 'TROPHY'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trophy that I've seen before include "Scalp, prize" , "Cup given as prize for victory" , "Award for victory" , "Laurels" , "Prize, eg cup" .)