What does the cryptic crossword clue "Long to have maiden on rug shortly? Seize the chance! (5,4)" mean?

The definition is "S". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CARPE (synonym="CARPE") + DIE (synonym="”Long [to have]”") + M (synonym="maiden, in cricket") = CARPEDIEM The answer is CARPEDIEM.

Long to have maiden on rug shortly? Seize the chance! (5,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29204 | 10 Across | 2023-10-18 flower

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