What does the cryptic crossword clue "Lean on the French ship, exhausted (8)" mean?

The definition is "Lean". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). LIST (synonym of "Lean") + LE (abbreviation of "French") + SS (synonym of "ship,"); definition: "exhausted" The answer is LISTLESS.

Lean on the French ship, exhausted (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29106 | 16 Down | 2023-06-26 flower

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