Controlled setter confident dismissing second son (8)
I believe the answer is:
measured
'controlled setter confident dismissing second son' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'controlled setter confident dismissing second' is the wordplay.
'controlled setter' becomes 'me' (the setter of the clue. I am not sure about the 'controlled' bit.).
'confident' becomes 'assured' (similar in meaning).
'dismissing' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'assured' with 's' taken out is 'asured'.
'me'+'asured'='MEASURED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for measured that I've seen before include "Evaluated" , "Deliberate, restrained" , "Made sure (anag.)" , "Found the size or quantity of something - using tape or ruler" , "Unhurried and with care and dignity" .)