Crossword Genius

It decreases tinned drink painter provided? (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steam iron

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

'it decreases tinned drink painter provided?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it decreases tinned drink' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is found within the answer.
'drink' could be 'sea' ('the drink' can informally mean the sea) and 'sea' is found within the leftover letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for steam iron that I've seen before include "Domestic smoother" , "Appliance for pressing" , "Clothes presser" , "Tool that dampens and presses" , "Clothes finisher" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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