What does the cryptic crossword clue "Mongooses with timid vermin mixing as little as possible (8)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of MEEK (synonym="MEEK") + RATS (synonym="‘timid vermin’") = MEERKATS The answer is MEERKATS.

Mongooses with timid vermin mixing as little as possible (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29535 | 17 Down | 2024-11-08 flower