What does the cryptic crossword clue "Mode in which companion defends delay (6)" mean?

The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). LAG (synonym="”delay”") in PAL (synonym="”companion” around LAG=”delay”") = PLAGAL The answer is PLAGAL.

Mode in which companion defends delay (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29652 | 21 Down | 2025-03-26 flower

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