What does the cryptic crossword clue "Broke in thus — lever initially opening (9)" mean?

The definition is "Broke". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). IN (literal="in") + SO (abbreviation="thus") + L (first_letter="lever") + VENT (synonym="opening") = INSOLVENT; definition: "Broke" The answer is INSOLVENT.

Broke in thus — lever initially opening (9)

Times Cryptic #28617 | 17 Down | 2023-05-31 flower

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