Getting caned, sadly, is routine (5)
I believe the answer is:
dance
'routine' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'getting caned sadly' is the wordplay.
'caned' anagrams to 'DANCE'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dance that I've seen before include "See 4" , "Bop" , "the twist, perhaps?" , "Eg, perform ballet" , "Move in time to music" .)