What does the cryptic crossword clue "Driving back 45 inches a long time ago in regret (9)" mean?

The definition is "Driving back". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). ELL (synonym="’45 inched a long time ago’ – an old measure of about that length") in REPENT (synonym="‘regret’") = REPELLENT; definition: "Driving back" The answer is REPELLENT.

Driving back 45 inches a long time ago in regret (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29139 | 11 Down | 2023-08-03 flower

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