What does the cryptic crossword clue "Bristle in anger at first when exhausted (3)" mean?

The definition is "Bristle". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). A (synonym="initial letter of [at first] A NGER") + WN (synonym="letters remaining in W HE N after the central letters are removed [exhausted]") = AWN; definition: "Bristle" The answer is AWN.

Bristle in anger at first when exhausted (3)

Independent Cryptic #11777 | 15 Down | 2024-07-09 flower

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