What does the cryptic crossword clue "What chief detective did is bad (6)" mean?

The definition is "bad". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). RAN (synonym="RAN") + CID (synonym="managed the Criminal Investigation Department=”What chief detective did”") = RANCID; definition: "bad" The answer is RANCID.

What chief detective did is bad (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29592 | 2 Down | 2025-01-15 flower

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