Freeloader beginning to scrounge, stinker? (7)
I believe the answer is:
sponger
'scrounge stinker?' is the definition.
'sponger' can be an answer for 'scrounge' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'stinker?' bit.
'freeloader beginning' is the wordplay.
'freeloader' becomes 'sponge' (I've seen this in another clue).
'beginning' becomes 'r' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sponge'+'r'='SPONGER'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sponger that I've seen before include "cleaner?" , "One living at others' expense" , "Leech" , "Parasite" , "One always expects others to pay" .)