Crossword Genius

Replacement government? Country releasing first enthusiastic reaction (8,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

standing ovation

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

'enthusiastic reaction' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'replacement government? country releasing first' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'government?' could be 'gov' and 'gov' is found in the answer.
'country' could be 'nation' (synonyms) and 'nation' is located in the leftover letters.
'first' could be 'i' (I in Roman numerals eg Elizabeth I) and 'i' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'stand' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for standing ovation that I've seen before include "Rapturous reception" , "warm reception" , "Applause" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app