Stops wasting time, beginning to obey edict (3-2)

I believe the answer is:

say-so

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'edict' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for say-so that I've seen before include "Go-ahead" , "Authorisation" , "Authority to make or allow something to happen" , "Final authority" , "Mere assertion (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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