Clown working in safe environment (6)

I believe the answer is:

cocoon

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'safe environment' is the definition.
'cocoon' can be an answer for 'environment' (I have seen 'secure environment' mean 'cocoon' so perhaps 'environment' could also mean 'cocoon'). I'm not certain of the 'safe' bit.

'clown working' is the wordplay.
'clown' becomes 'coco' (Nicolai Poliakoff aka Coco the Clown).
'working' becomes 'on' (on can mean working or activated).
'coco'+'on'='COCOON'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cocoon that I've seen before include "Silky sheath around a chrysalis" , "Silken sheath" , "Larva case" , "Silky case protecting a pupa" , "Wrap; pupa's protection" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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