When you lose yours, is it even broken outright? (5)

I believe the answer is:

nerve

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'it even broken outright?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for nerve that I've seen before include "Courage - cheek" , "Impulse transmitter - bottle" , "Mettle, daring" , "Cheek; self-possession" , "Fibre that carries instructions to the brain" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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