Self-contained and complimentary status (4-8)

I believe the answer is:

free-standing

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'self-contained' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'complimentary status' is the wordplay.
'complimentary' becomes 'free' (synonyms).
'status' becomes 'standing' (standing is a kind of status).
'free'+'standing'='FREE-STANDING'

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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