What does the cryptic crossword clue "Only two-thirds of cutlery put back, oh dear (4)" mean?

The definition is "oh dear". The wordplay uses a reversal. SPOO (reversal="SPOO") = OOPS; definition: "oh dear" The answer is OOPS.

Only two-thirds of cutlery put back, oh dear (4)

Times Cryptic #29105 | 19 Across | 2024-12-20 flower