What does the cryptic crossword clue "Venomous creature when provoked initially (3)" mean?

The definition is "Venomous creature". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). AS (abbreviation="when") + P (first_letter="provoked") = ASP; definition: "Venomous creature" The answer is ASP.

Venomous creature when provoked initially (3)

Daily Mail Cryptic #16907 | 17 Across | 2022-08-22 flower

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