What does the cryptic crossword clue "This pet can be truly awful (3,4)" mean?

The definition is "awful". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of THIS + PET = THEPITS; definition: "awful" The answer is THEPITS.

This pet can be truly awful (3,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29632 | 19 Down | 2025-03-03 flower