Crossword Genius

Barrels found around ancient dumps (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doldrums

'dumps' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'barrels found around ancient' is the wordplay.
'barrels' becomes 'drums' ('drum' can be a synonym of 'barrel').
'found around' indicates putting letters inside.
'ancient' becomes 'old' (similar in meaning).
'drums' placed around 'old' is 'DOLDRUMS'.

(Other definitions for doldrums that I've seen before include "Area of calms between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific" , "Equatorial part of ocean with little prevailing wind" , "feeling of gloom" , "equatorial area" , "Low spirits -- calm part of the ocean" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Globe and Mail and The Times.
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