What does the cryptic crossword clue "Belittle group of thieves — one wonderful to hear of (9)" mean?

The definition is "Belittle". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). DEN (group of thieves) I sounds like ‘great’ The answer is DENIGRATE.

Belittle group of thieves — one wonderful to hear of (9)

Times Cryptic #28777 | 8 Down | 2023-12-04 flower