What does the cryptic crossword clue "Thumb prodded into awkward person in government department (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). TOM (synonym="‘Thumb’") in CUSS (synonym="‘awkward person’") = CUSTOMS The answer is CUSTOMS.

Thumb prodded into awkward person in government department (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29385 | 25 Across | 2024-05-17 flower

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