What does the cryptic crossword clue "Hopeful cop bedecked in flag (7)" mean?

The definition is "Hopeful". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). NAB (synonym="cop") in WANE (synonym="flag") = WANNABE; definition: "Hopeful" The answer is WANNABE.

Hopeful cop bedecked in flag (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29641 | 15 Across | 2025-03-13 flower

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