Crossword Genius

Item of tableware in broken state quietly put back (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

place mat

'item of tableware' is the definition.

'broken state quietly put back' is the wordplay.
'broken' becomes 'tame' (break can mean to control or domesticate).
'state' becomes 'cal' (I've seen this in other clues).
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'put back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'tame'+'cal'+'p'='tamecalp'
'tamecalp' back-to-front is 'PLACE MAT'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for place mat that I've seen before include "It's used to protect the table" , "base for drink?" , "China's possible position" , "Table setting" , "Metal cap (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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