Phoenix Christmas Issue 2017

[vinpaul]

I dont understand possible answer given by Dannyk14 which gave WADi as a solution.
Any explanation would be welcome
53ac “Though it’s a mere matter of course, be in a state when deducted two scores” (4) ?A?I

[dannyk13]

Just went by the fact a wadi is a dried up water course.

[fuzzy-brain]

'Wadi' is incorrect.
'a mere matter of course' = forMALIty. Take out the two scores (forty) and there's your answer.