Failed in the open (6)

I believe the answer is:

afield

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'failed in the open' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'failed in the open' is the wordplay.
'failed' anagrams to 'AFIELD'.
But, I am not clear how the anagram is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for afield that I've seen before include "At a distance ("far ____")" , "away from home" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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