Crossword Genius

Signs of trouble started by experts (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

traces

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'signs' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'trouble started by experts' is the wordplay.
'started' suggests taking the first letters.
'by' becomes 'r' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'experts' becomes 'aces' (ace is a kind of expert).
The initial letter of 'trouble' is 't'.
't'+'r'+'aces'='TRACES'

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for traces that I've seen before include "Tracks down or outlines" , "Vestiges (that may be kicked over?)" , "Sketches the outline of" , "Slight indications on parts of the harness" , "Just detectable amounts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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