What does the cryptic crossword clue "Protective mechanism ensures triumph against dangerous opponents (4-4)" mean?

The definition is "Protective mechanism". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). FAIL (synonym="opposite of ‘triumph’, verb") + SAFE (synonym="opposite of ‘dangerous’") = FAILSAFE; definition: "Protective mechanism" The answer is FAILSAFE.

Protective mechanism ensures triumph against dangerous opponents (4-4)

Guardian Cryptic #28929 | 10 Across | 2022-12-01 flower

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