Crossword Genius

Large city is withdrawing source of power (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sinew

'source of power' is the definition.
(sinew can mean a source of power or strength)

'large city is withdrawing' is the wordplay.
'large city' becomes 'wen' (historical term for a large city).
'withdrawing' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'wen'+'is'='wenis'
'wenis' back-to-front is 'SINEW'.

(Other definitions for sinew that I've seen before include "Tendon - ligament" , "power source" , "Tough material" , "Muscular strength" , "Force" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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