Crossword Genius

Dined at home, most clean (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

neatest

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

'most clean' is the definition.
('neat' can be similar in meaning to 'clean')

'dined at home' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'dined' could be 'ate' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'ate' is found within the answer.
'home' could be 'nest' (I've seen this before) and 'nest' is located in the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neatest that I've seen before include "Seat ten (anag)" , "best-looking desk, say?" , "Most smart" , "Most tidy" , "Most orderly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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