Dry and clear, for a start (4)
I believe the answer is:
arid
'dry' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'clear for a start' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'clear' could be 'rid' (synonyms) and 'rid' is found in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arid that I've seen before include "Rainless (region)" , "Without much rainfall" , "Parched, waterless" , "water shortage?" , "Sterile" .)