What does the cryptic crossword clue "Many failing to finish: a policeman's not happy? (3)" mean?

The definition is "Many". The wordplay uses a deletion. LOT (deletion) = LOT; definition: "Many" The answer is LOT.

Many failing to finish: a policeman's not happy? (3)

Times Cryptic #28954 | 2 Down | 2024-06-27 flower