Crossword Genius

Barman died tragically, keeping one afloat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

armband

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

'one afloat' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'barman died tragically' is the wordplay.
'died' becomes 'd' (abbreviation next to the year of someone's death).
'tragically' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'barman'+'d'='barmand'
'barmand' with letters rearranged gives 'ARMBAND'.

'keeping' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for armband that I've seen before include "Cloth worn round sleeve" , "Something worn around sleeve" , "augmentation to uniform" , "support for member" , "It may identify" .)

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