What does the cryptic crossword clue "Drunkard, sweating, dropping time and time again in London area (4)" mean?

The definition is "area". The wordplay uses a deletion. SO (synonym="SO") + HO (synonym="HO") = SOHO; definition: "London area" The answer is SOHO.

Drunkard, sweating, dropping time and time again in London area (4)

Guardian Cryptic #29570 | 24 Across | 2024-12-19 flower