What does the cryptic crossword clue "Rigid Tom needs a boost (9)" mean?

The definition is "Rigid". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CAT (synonym="Tom") + A (abbreviation="a") + TONIC (synonym="boost") = CATATONIC; definition: "Rigid" The answer is CATATONIC.

Rigid Tom needs a boost (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29603 | 16 Down | 2025-01-28 flower

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