What does the cryptic crossword clue "Sits on the fence - tar leaves a mark (8)" mean?

The definition is "mark". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). AB (synonym="able seaman; sailor; tar") + STAINS (synonym="leaves a mark") = ABSTAINS The answer is ABSTAINS.

Sits on the fence - tar leaves a mark (8)

Independent Cryptic #11633 | 12 Across | 2024-01-23 flower

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