Cut out about ... about ... about ... and make trim? (8)
I believe the answer is:
exercise
'make trim?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'cut out about about about' is the wordplay.
'cut out' becomes 'excise' (excise can mean to cut out or remove).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'about about' becomes 'er' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'excise' enclosing 'er' is 'EXERCISE'.
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for exercise that I've seen before include "Physical exertion for keeping fit" , "that every prisoner should have" , "Keep-fit" , "Gym activity?" , "Practice session" .)