Choke and accelerator, maybe (8)

I believe the answer is:

throttle

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'choke' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for throttle that I've seen before include "Strangle with car pedal?" , "Valve to regulate the supply of fuel to the engine" , "Choke, strangle" , "Strangle; regulator valve" , "Strangulate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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