What does the cryptic crossword clue "Old aristocrat holding new key (6)" mean?

The definition is "key". The wordplay uses charade, container. O (synonym of "Old") + PEER (synonym of "aristocrat") + N (abbreviation of "new") [container: "holding"]; definition: "key" The answer is OPENER.

Old aristocrat holding new key (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29435 | 18 Across | 2024-07-15 flower

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