Getting out for a duck is tough, and it means a lot (5)
I believe the answer is:
hoard
'getting out' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'duck is tough and it means a lot' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'duck' could be 'o' (resembles zero - 'duck' in cricket) and 'o' is located in the answer.
'tough' could be 'hard' (associated in meaning) and 'hard' is present in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'for a' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for hoard that I've seen before include "Reserve supply" , "Store of money or valuables" , "Amass and store privately" , "keep in reserve" , "Cache" .)