One leaning overboard to hold up the boat? (5)
I believe the answer is:
davit
This clue could be a double definition.
'one leaning overboard to hold up' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'boat?' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for davit that I've seen before include "Lifeboat crane" , "device for lowering boat" , "nautical equipment" , "Crane-like device for suspending or lowering ship's boats" .)