Earwig splattered over spade (9)

I believe the answer is:

eavesdrop

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

'earwig' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'splattered over spade' is the wordplay.
'over spade' anagrams to 'EAVESDROP'.
However, I'm not clear how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eavesdrop that I've seen before include "Listen to others' conversation" , "Snoop" , "Listen without the speaker's knowledge" , "Listen secretly to a private conversation" , "Listen-in" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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