What does the cryptic crossword clue "Revered figure, say, among trees with staff (5,9)" mean?

The definition is "Revered figure". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ELDER (synonym of "trees") + STATES (synonym of "say,") + MAN (synonym of "staff"); definition: "Revered figure," The answer is ELDER STATESMAN.

Revered figure, say, among trees with staff (5,9)

Times Cryptic #28823 | 21 Across | 2024-01-26 flower

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