Crossword Genius

Trouble to follow – bands start on the drink (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

set sail

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'start on the drink' is the definition.
'set sail' can be an answer for 'start' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'on the drink' bit.

'trouble to follow bands' is the wordplay.
'trouble' becomes 'ail' (synonyms).
'to follow' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters go after or follow others).
'bands' becomes 'sets' ('set' can be a synonym of 'band').
'ail' after 'sets' is 'SET SAIL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for set sail that I've seen before include "have started journey" , "Leave for (sea) voyage" , "Begin a voyage" , "left land behind" , "Left port" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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