Crossword Genius

For example, Sparta, static, yet lively (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

citystate

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

'for example sparta' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'static yet lively' is the wordplay.
'lively' indicates anagramming the letters (letters get livened up or moved around).
'static'+'yet'='staticyet'
'staticyet' is an anagram of 'CITYSTATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app