What does the cryptic crossword clue "Explosive device in birdcage, say? (5,4)" mean?

The definition is "Explosive device". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). BOOBY (synonym="a large tropical seabird with brightly coloured feet") + TRAP (synonym="cage/an enclosure") = BOOBYTRAP; definition: "Explosive device" The answer is BOOBYTRAP.

Explosive device in birdcage, say? (5,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29282 | 16 Down | 2024-01-18 flower

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