What does the cryptic crossword clue "Commander left in charge is a pain (5)" mean?

The definition is "a pain". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CO (synonym of "Commander") + L (synonym of "left") + IC (synonym of "in charge"); definition: "pain" The answer is COLIC.

Commander left in charge is a pain (5)

Times Cryptic #28594 | 9 Across | 2023-05-04 flower

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