What does the cryptic crossword clue "Detectives lost out (9)" mean?

The definition is "out". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DIS (synonym of "Detectives") + MISSED (synonym of "lost"); definition: "out" The answer is DISMISSED.

Detectives lost out (9)

Times Cryptic #29091 | 23 Across | 2024-12-04 flower

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