What does the cryptic crossword clue "Just heard Dicky's a total loss (5-3)" mean?

The definition is "total loss". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). WRITE (homophone of “right”=just) + OFF (dicky, as in “shaky; not in good condition”) The answer is WRITEOFF.

Just heard Dicky's a total loss (5-3)

Guardian Cryptic #29166 | 15 Across | 2023-09-04 flower

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