What does the cryptic crossword clue "Observing last ones in the colony escaping? Securing four still around (9)" mean?

The definition is "still around". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). SURV (synonym="SURV") + IV (synonym="four") + ING (synonym="observing") = SURVIVING The answer is SURVIVING.

Observing last ones in the colony escaping? Securing four still around (9)

Independent Cryptic #12086 | 9 Across | 2025-07-04 flower

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