Not very encouraging sign from conductor (8)
I believe the answer is:
downbeat
This clue could be a double definition.
'not very encouraging' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'sign from conductor' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for downbeat that I've seen before include "Understated; gloomy" , "Pessimistic, gloomy" , "gesture by conductor" , "Conductor is likely to make this movement" , "Low-key" .)