What does the cryptic crossword clue "Stupid person, American, becomes an emperor (5)" mean?

The definition is "emperor". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). TIT (synonym="”Stupid person”") + US (synonym="”American”") = TITUS; definition: "emperor" The answer is TITUS.

Stupid person, American, becomes an emperor (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29585 | 23 Down | 2025-01-07 flower

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