Boy removing nothing from large quantity (3)
I believe the answer is:
lad
'boy' is the definition.
(informal term for boy)
'nothing from large quantity' is the wordplay.
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'from' is a deletion indicator.
'large quantity' becomes 'load' (a load of something).
'load' with 'o' removed is 'LAD'.
'removing' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lad that I've seen before include "Youngster" , "Stable worker" , "Young fellow" , "(Housman's Shropshire) boy" , "Shaver" .)