What does the cryptic crossword clue "Spiteful person — he will shortly act badly (7)" mean?

The definition is "Spiteful person". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). anagram of HE (synonym="HE") + LL (synonym="LL") + ACT (synonym="ACT") = HELLCAT; definition: "Spiteful person —" The answer is HELLCAT.

Spiteful person — he will shortly act badly (7)

Guardian Cryptic #27371 | 1 Across | 2017-12-04 flower

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