What does the cryptic crossword clue "Fast runners, crooks did you say? (8)" mean?

The definition is "Fast runners". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). sounds like cheaters = crooks. Chestnut time. The answer is CHEETAHS.

Fast runners, crooks did you say? (8)

Times Cryptic #29133 | 20 Across | 2025-01-22 flower