What does the cryptic crossword clue "Great period of austerity following number-crunching program (9)" mean?

The definition is "Great". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EXCEL (synonym="EXCEL") + LENT (synonym="LENT") = EXCELLENT; definition: "Great" The answer is EXCELLENT.

Great period of austerity following number-crunching program (9)

Independent Cryptic #11824 | 13 Across | 2024-09-02 flower

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