What does the cryptic crossword clue "Spartan pad U.S. wit stands when settled (4,3,7)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of PAD + U.S. + WIT + STANDS = SPITANDSAWDUST The answer is SPITANDSAWDUST.

Spartan pad U.S. wit stands when settled (4,3,7)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17517 | 26 Across | 2024-12-24 flower