What does the cryptic crossword clue "Be dominant or ineffectual, eating dirt, exciting people (4,3,8)" mean?

This cryptic clue uses wordplay to arrive at the answer. Visit the page for progressive hints — definition, wordplay type, and a full step-by-step explanation.

What is the answer to "Be dominant or ineffectual, eating dirt, exciting people (4,3,8)"?

The answer is WEAR THE TROUSERS.

Be dominant or ineffectual, eating dirt, exciting people (4,3,8)

Times Cryptic #28754 | 5 Down | 2023-11-07

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I haven't cracked this one yet — but the brilliant team at Times for the Times have:

WET (ineffectual) containing [eating] EARTH (dirt), ROUSERS (exciting people)

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