Crossword Genius

Flog city's hotel (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lash

'flog' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'city's hotel' is the wordplay.
'city's' becomes 'LA's' (Los Angeles).
'hotel' becomes 'h' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'las'+'h'='LASH'

(Other definitions for lash that I've seen before include "Flog" , "Whip with a sharp blow" , "Whip or scourge" , "Whip; attack verbally" , "Birch" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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