One who's out of place amongst minerals or animals (4-3)
I believe the answer is:
also-ran
'one who's out of place' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'amongst minerals or animals' is the wordplay.
'amongst' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ALSO-RAN' is hidden in the letters of 'minerals or animals'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for also-ran that I've seen before include "Unplaced horse" , "Race loser" , "Unplaced runner" , "Contestant losing by a large margin" , "Not placed in first three finishers" .)