What does the cryptic crossword clue "Deserter starts to run away terrified (3)" mean?

The definition is "Deserter". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). R (abbreviation="run") + A (first_letter="away") + T (first_letter="terrified") = RAT; definition: "Deserter" The answer is RAT.

Deserter starts to run away terrified (3)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17190 | 22 Across | 2023-09-21 flower

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