What does the cryptic crossword clue "Lacking money in country (5)" mean?

The definition is "Lacking". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). M (synonym="money") + IN (synonym="from surface") + US (synonym="United States, country") = MINUS; definition: "Lacking" The answer is MINUS.

Lacking money in country (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29383 | 2 Down | 2024-05-15 flower

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