Crossword Genius

Athenian's dip in defeat, alas, a marathon backfiring (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taramasalata

'athenian's dip' is the definition.
'taramasalata' can be an answer for 'dip' (I've seen this before). I also know that 'athenian' relates to this answer.

'in defeat alas a marathon backfiring' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'backfiring' is a reversal indicator.
'atalasamarat' is hidden within 'defeat alas a marathon'.
'atalasamarat' in reverse letter order is 'TARAMASALATA'.

(Other definitions for taramasalata that I've seen before include "Pinkish fish roe paste" , "fishy paste" , "spread" , "starter" , "Greek paste made from fish roe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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