Lad's tardy performance is villainous (9)

I believe the answer is:

dastardly

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

'villainous' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'lad's tardy performance' is the wordplay.
'performance' is an anagram indicator.
'lads'+'tardy'='ladstardy'
'ladstardy' anagrammed gives 'DASTARDLY'.

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dastardly that I've seen before include "Iniquitous" , "Cruel" , "Cowardly" , "contemptible" , "Despicable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app