How do I solve 4 across in Express Cryptic 20260622?

Question

Accepted Answer

4 across reads "Exhaust CIA plan, starting pollution" (4,4 letters); the answer is ACID RAIN. It's an anagram clue: the answer is a rearrangement of letters supplied by the clue itself. Look for an indicator like 'mixed', 'broken', 'cooked', or 'wild', and find a phrase whose letters add up to the answer's length. The full step-by-step breakdown is on this page.

Exhaust CIA plan, starting pollution (4,4)

4A — Exhaust CIA plan, starting pollution (4,4) — ACID RAIN