What does the cryptic crossword clue "After opener stumped, single that is vital to stability (8)" mean?

The definition is "that is vital to stability". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). KEY (synonym="”opener [of a lock]”") + ST (synonym="stumped, cricket abbreviation") + ONE (synonym="”single”") = KEYSTONE The answer is KEYSTONE.

After opener stumped, single that is vital to stability (8)

Guardian Cryptic #28941 | 8 Down | 2022-12-15 flower

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