What does the cryptic crossword clue "Lively people's party cancelled with father around (5,2,4)" mean?

The definition is "Lively people". The wordplay uses charade, container. BALL (synonym of "party") + OFF (synonym of "cancelled") + SIRE (synonym of "father") [container: "around"]; definition: "Lively people's" The answer is BALLS OF FIRE.

Lively people's party cancelled with father around (5,2,4)

Times Cryptic #28869 | 1 Down | 2024-03-20 flower

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