Bragger’s way of dealing with birthday candles? (8)

I believe the answer is:

blowhard

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

'with birthday candles?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'bragger's way of dealing' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'way' could be 'rd' (short for road) and 'rd' is located in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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