Where to start work for doubtful gain (5)
I believe the answer is:
wigan
'where' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'start work for doubtful gain' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'for' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'doubtful' indicates an anagram.
The initial letter of 'work' is 'w'.
'gain' anagrammed gives 'igan'.
'w'+'igan'='WIGAN'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wigan that I've seen before include "The Road to -- Pier (Orwell)" , "Manchester-area town, its Pier, Orwell" , "North-western town" , "Town near Manchester" , "Lancashire town" .)