Crossword Genius

A fine commotion over a sandy waste (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dust storm

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a fine' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'commotion over a sandy waste' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'commotion' could be 'storm' (storm is a kind of commotion) and 'storm' is present in the answer.
'waste' could be 'dust' (dust is a kind of waste) and 'dust' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dust storm that I've seen before include "hazard in the desert" , "Dirt whipped up" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app