What does the cryptic crossword clue "Nobleman expected to receive king (4)" mean?

The definition is "Nobleman". The wordplay uses charade, container. DUE (synonym of "expected") + K (synonym of "king") [container: "receive"]; definition: "Nobleman" The answer is Duke.

Nobleman expected to receive king (4)

Telegraph #30456 | 26 Down | 2023-11-13 flower

Visit Telegraph's puzzle site →

Also seen in

Times Cryptic #29206 (2025-04-17)