Crossword Genius

A drop in the rate, maybe (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tear

'a drop' is the definition.
(teardrop)

'rate maybe' is the wordplay.
'maybe' indicates anagramming the letters.
'rate' is an anagram of 'TEAR'.

'in the' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tear that I've seen before include "Droplet; rip" , "A rip and a sign of sadness" , "speed" , "Shred" , "Rent - drop" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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