Crossword Genius

Starts doubting reality of near earth flying object (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drone

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'flying object' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'starts doubting reality of near earth' is the wordplay.
'starts' says to take the initial letters.
'earth' becomes 'E'.
The initial letters of 'doubting reality of near' is 'dron'.
'dron'+'e'='DRONE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drone that I've seen before include "Pilotless, radio-controlled aircraft" , "Someone who lives on the labour of others" , "Idler like male bee" , "boring speaker" , "Monotone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.