What does the cryptic crossword clue "Make a mess of Aida descant but not as examinee (9)" mean?

The definition is "examinee". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of AID (synonym="AID") + DE (synonym="DE") + CANT (synonym="CANT") = CANDIDATE; definition: "examinee" The answer is CANDIDATE.

Make a mess of Aida descant but not as examinee (9)

Guardian Cryptic #26228 | 25 Across | 2014-04-08 flower

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