What does the cryptic crossword clue "Improperly picks up girl, stopped by judge (8)" mean?

The definition is "Improperly picks up". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). HEAR (synonym="‘judge’") in MISS (synonym="‘girl’") = MISHEARS; definition: "Improperly picks up" The answer is MISHEARS.

Improperly picks up girl, stopped by judge (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29341 | 14 Across | 2024-03-27 flower

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