Tough exterior for one given hard time at grammar school? (8)
I believe the answer is:
eggshell
'tough exterior' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
'for one given hard time at grammar school?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'hard' could be 'h' and 'h' is found within the answer.
'school?' could be 's' and 's' is located in the answer.
'for one' could be 'eg' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'eg' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for eggshell that I've seen before include "Pale yellowish white" , "made in Dorking?" , "Sort of paint" , "Fine finish" , "(Of paint) having a very slight sheen" .)