New leader shut out by accident (5)
I believe the answer is:
shunt
'accident' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'new leader shut out' is the wordplay.
'leader' indicates taking the first letters.
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
The initial letter of 'new' is 'n'.
'n' inserted within 'shut' is 'SHUNT'.
'by' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for shunt that I've seen before include "Vehicle accident" , "Transfer a train to another track" , "Move wagons around" , "Divert into alternative course, like train" , "Sidetrack" .)