Short revocation holding back secret (6)
I believe the answer is:
covert
'secret' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'short revocation holding back' is the wordplay.
'holding' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'trevoc' is hidden in the letters of 'short revocation'.
'trevoc' back-to-front is 'COVERT'.
(Other definitions for covert that I've seen before include "place for game" , "18 [HIDDEN]" , "Thicket; not displayed" , "Not open; thicket" , "in this secret place?" .)