What does the cryptic crossword clue "Paul, for example, the thief of time? (8)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). MO (synonym="MO") + NICKER (synonym="NICKER") = MONICKER The answer is MONICKER.

Paul, for example, the thief of time? (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29516 | 16 Down | 2024-10-17 flower