Crossword Genius

Set off in clearness, then they go up in flames (7,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chinese lanterns

'they go up in flames' is the definition.
(floating lanterns containing flames)

'set off in clearness then' is the wordplay.
'set off' is an anagram indicator.
'in'+'clearness'+'then'='inclearnessthen'
'inclearnessthen' anagrammed gives 'CHINESE LANTERNS'.

(Other definitions for chinese lanterns that I've seen before include "They could brighten things up" , "products of Asian light industry?" , "Plants" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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