Publicist starts a plot and is investigated (6)
I believe the answer is:
probed
'is investigated' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'publicist starts a plot' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'publicist' could be 'pro' (abbreviation for public relations officer) and 'pro' is found within the answer.
'plot' could be 'bed' (a plot of land) and 'bed' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for probed that I've seen before include "Investigating closely" , "Did research" , "Examined, dug into" , "Physically examined" , "Searched" .)