Little bits messier then when scattered around (11)
I believe the answer is:
smithereens
'little bits' is the definition.
'smithereens' can be an answer for 'bits' (I've seen this in another clue). I am unsure of the 'little' bit.
'messier then when scattered around' is the wordplay.
'messier then' can be anagrammed to 'SMITHEREENS'.
However, I am unsure how the anagram is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for smithereens that I've seen before include "Tiny fragments" , "Shattered fragments" , "Small fragments of the whole" , "Tiny pieces" , "broken bits?" .)