Crossword Genius

Dotty is sedate, showing reserve (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

set aside

'reserve' is the definition.
('set aside' can be a synonym of 'reserve')

'dotty is sedate' is the wordplay.
'dotty' indicates anagramming the letters.
'is'+'sedate'='issedate'
'issedate' anagrammed gives 'SET-ASIDE'.

'showing' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for set aside that I've seen before include "Discount" , "EU's agricultural scheme" , "Reserve for future use" , "Lay by" , "Reserve(d) in advance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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