Standing guard over base, left like Sondheim's clowns? (8)
I believe the answer is:
sentinel
'sondheim's clowns?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'standing guard over base left' is the wordplay.
'standing guard over' becomes 'sentin' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'base' becomes 'e' (I've seen this in other clues).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'sentin'+'e'+'l'='SENTINEL'
'like' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sentinel that I've seen before include "One watches" , "Look out" , "Watcher on guard" , "Watchperson" , "Guard - ten lines (anag)" .)