At Gateshead, a defeat to smooth over as best possible (5)
I believe the answer is:
gloss
'smooth over as best possible' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'at gateshead a defeat' is the wordplay.
'at' says to put letters next to each other.
'gateshead' becomes 'g' (head letter of 'gates').
'a defeat' becomes 'loss' (I've seen this in another clue).
'g' next to 'loss' is 'GLOSS'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gloss that I've seen before include "marginal note" , "translation" , "Provide explanations" , "Shine, lustre" , "High shine" .)