Lovatts Cryptic

[crossgates]

east berlin began to wane 3 letters ?a? thanks

[penelope2]

Ebb.

[dannyk13]

Ebb (initial letters in clue)

[Quizmonkey]

...except there's no indication to take initial letters! (And don't say 'began'!)

[penelope2]

Not a well written clue but 'ebb' is the answer.

[dannyk13]

began is the indication

[Quizmonkey]

So where's the reference to the final B in ebb?

[dannyk13]

Quizmonkey, you have to give the setter some poetic licence.Not all clues are perfect.

[Quizmonkey]

You don't 'have to' give a setter any poetic licence!!! This is a totally unsound clue by any professional setter's standards.

[dannyk13]

I think you are being too harsh and I will leave it at that.

[Quizmonkey]

As a professional setter, we adhere to accepted 'rules' and standards. This clue is faulty and would not have been accepted if the puzzle had gone through any kind of testing process. Simple as that. An unsound clues is as bad as unsound grammar to a writer.

[penelope2]

Seen worse, seen better, no big deal.

[dannyk13]

:-)