What does the cryptic crossword clue "Sorrowful face after accepting unusual sexual style (6)" mean?

The definition is "Sorrowful". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). SM (synonym="=sexual style, i.e. sadomasochism") in DIAL (synonym="=face, e.g. of clock") = DISMAL; definition: "Sorrowful" The answer is DISMAL.

Sorrowful face after accepting unusual sexual style (6)

Independent Cryptic #11696 | 15 Across | 2024-04-05 flower

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