Central Asian expression of sadness (4)

I believe the answer is:

alas

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'expression of sadness' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'central asian' is the wordplay.
'ALAS' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alas that I've seen before include "Cry of woe" , "-- and alack!" , "Interjection of sorrow" , "Too bad, so sad" , "Cry of regret" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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