The way Poles are about to be shown (3)
I believe the answer is:
how
'the way' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'about to be shown' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates a hidden word.
'HOW' is hidden within 'to shown'.
'poles are' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for how that I've seen before include "Who (anag.)" , "In what way?" , "By what means?" , "See 16" , "In what manner or method?" .)