Crossword Genius

Signs of a bad scare after trouble starts (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

traces

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'signs' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'a bad scare after trouble starts' is the wordplay.
'a bad' is an anagram indicator.
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'starts' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'trouble' is 't'.
'scare' with letters rearranged gives 'races'.
'races' after 't' is 'TRACES'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for traces that I've seen before include "Finds; hints" , "Vestiges (that may be kicked over?)" , "Kick these over to be insubordinate or reckless" , "Sketches the outline of" , "Finds; small quantities" .)

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