Crossword Genius

Discomfort experienced by everyone when energy drops (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ache

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'discomfort' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'experienced by everyone when energy drops' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is found within the answer.
'energy' could be 'ac' (AC is an example) and 'ac' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'h' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ache that I've seen before include "Play up" , "Pine" , "Similar" , "Hurt; yearn" , "Long ? pain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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