What does the cryptic crossword clue "A serial wife-killer, depressed poet swallows drug (9)" mean?

The definition is "A serial wife-killer". The wordplay uses charade, container. BLUE (synonym of "depressed") + BARD (synonym of "poet") + E (abbreviation of "drug") [container: "swallows"]; definition: "A serial wife-killer," The answer is BLUEBEARD.

A serial wife-killer, depressed poet swallows drug (9)

Times Cryptic #28730 | 15 Down | 2023-10-10 flower

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