Haphazard line in passing place causing demotion (10)
I believe the answer is:
sidelining
'causing demotion' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'haphazard line in passing' is the wordplay.
'haphazard' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'passing' becomes 'siding' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'line' anagrammed gives 'elin'.
'elin' inserted into 'siding' is 'SIDELINING'.
'place' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in The Times.
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