What does the cryptic crossword clue "Dabbler in oriental language getting zero (8,4)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). MANDARIN (synonym="oriental language") + DUCK (synonym="zero score in cricket") = MANDARINDUCK The answer is MANDARINDUCK.

Dabbler in oriental language getting zero (8,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29280 | 14 Across | 2024-01-16 flower

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