Bits he'd removed from cheese dip (6)

I believe the answer is:

pieces

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

'bits' is the definition.
('piece' can be a synonym of 'bit')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for pieces that I've seen before include "Chessmen" , "Portions, parts" , "Fragments" , "Bits, portions" , "barrels of wine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app