Crossword Genius

Report of engine trouble — sponsor getting sack (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backfire

'report of engine trouble' is the definition.
(car engine noise - 'report' can mean a loud noise)

'sponsor getting sack' is the wordplay.
'sponsor' becomes 'back'.
'getting' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'sack' becomes 'fire' (synonyms).
'back'+'fire'='BACKFIRE'

(Other definitions for backfire that I've seen before include "Be self-defeating" , "explosion" , "Boomerang" , "Rebound on oneself" , "Come home to roost" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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