What does the cryptic crossword clue "Deposing leader, note one state is hostile (8)" mean?

The definition is "hostile". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). INIM (synonym="note") + I (synonym="one") + CAL (synonym="CAL") = INIMICAL; definition: "hostile" The answer is INIMICAL.

Deposing leader, note one state is hostile (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29571 | 18 Down | 2024-12-20 flower

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