Crossword Genius

Lost a saddle when cycling (2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at sea

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'lost' is the definition.
(both can mean confused or in trouble)

'a saddle when cycling' is the wordplay.
'saddle when' becomes 'esta' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'cycling' says the letters should be written backwards (letters cycle back).
'a'+'esta'='aesta'
'aesta' written backwards gives 'AT SEA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for at sea that I've seen before include "Bewildered on the ocean?" , "Disorganised; bewildered" , "Sailing on a ship?" , "Muddled on the ocean?" , "Confused, uncertain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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