A case of building-up ready for the maiden flight (9)
I believe the answer is:
chrysalis
'the maiden flight' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
'a case of building-up ready' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'up' could be 'is' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'is' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for chrysalis that I've seen before include "Old record company" , "Stage of a butterfly's development" , "Pre-butterfly stage" , "developmental stage" , "Cocooned pupa of a moth or butterfly" .)