What does the cryptic crossword clue "Try drugs before show (5)" mean?

The definition is "Try". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ES (synonym="E for ecstacy plus S for plural, “drugs”") + SAY (synonym="”show”") = ESSAY; definition: "Try" The answer is ESSAY.

Try drugs before show (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29031 | 2 Down | 2023-03-30 flower

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