Crossword Genius

Sets pawns out in area dominated by queen (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wasps nest

'area dominated by queen' is the definition.
(as in a queen wasp)

'sets pawns out' is the wordplay.
'out' indicates anagramming the letters (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'sets'+'pawns'='setspawns'
'setspawns' with letters rearranged gives 'WASPS NEST'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Another definition for wasps nest that I've seen is " hostile place".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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