What does the cryptic crossword clue "Must European queen soon offend, put in the lead? (4,3,3)" mean?

The definition is "Must". The wordplay uses a deletion. SIN (synonym="offend") + E (synonym="European") + QU (synonym="queen") + ANON (synonym="soon") = SINEQUANON; definition: "Must" The answer is SINEQUANON.

Must European queen soon offend, put in the lead? (4,3,3)

Guardian Cryptic #29280 | 3 Down | 2024-01-16 flower

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