Crossword Genius

A channel without water, we're told (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strait

'a channel' is the definition.
(I know that strait is a type of channel)

'without water we're told' is the wordplay.
'without water' becomes 'straight' (as in straight whisky).
'we're told' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'straight' is a homophone of 'STRAIT'.

(Other definitions for strait that I've seen before include "Narrow watery stretch" , "Difficult position" , "-- -laced (prudish)" , "Difficult state for artist" , "Narrow - artist (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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