Tree dweller runs into landowner on top of ladder (8)
I believe the answer is:
squirrel
'tree dweller' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'runs into landowner on top of ladder' is the wordplay.
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'into' indicates putting letters inside.
'landowner' becomes 'squire' (historical term).
'on top of' says to take the initial letters.
The first letter of 'ladder' is 'l'.
'r' inserted into 'squire' is 'squirre'.
'squirre'+'l'='SQUIRREL'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for squirrel that I've seen before include "Red, grey, animal" , "See 9" , "Timmy Tiptoes, for example" , "Grey or (rarely) red woodland creature" , "Tree-climbing rodent which hoards nuts" .)