What does the cryptic crossword clue "Idle beast unearthed, defying odds (8)" mean?

The definition is "Idle". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). STAG (synonym="‘beast’") + NATE (synonym="NATE") = STAGNATE; definition: "Idle" The answer is STAGNATE.

Idle beast unearthed, defying odds (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29714 | 15 Across | 2025-06-06 flower

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