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Temperature doubled in a drain almost causing crack (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

attempt

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'crack' is the definition.
(as in having a crack at something)

'temperature doubled in a drain almost' is the wordplay.
'temperature' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'doubled' indicates the doubling of some letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'drain almost' becomes 'empt' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
't' doubled is 'tt'.
'a'+'empt'='aempt'
'tt' placed within 'aempt' is 'ATTEMPT'.

'causing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for attempt that I've seen before include "Embark on, try" , "Have a crack" , "Shot" , "Endeavor, try" , "Stab" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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