What does the cryptic crossword clue "Excellent shirt, not check? (3-5)" mean?

The definition is "Excellent". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). TOP (synonym of "shirt,") + NOT (synonym of "not") + CH (synonym of "check?"); definition: "Excellent" The answer is TOPNOTCH.

Excellent shirt, not check? (3-5)

Guardian Cryptic #29626 | 18 Down | 2025-02-24 flower

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