Crossword Genius

Slow shambling team means inevitable defeat (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

checkmate

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

'inevitable defeat' is the definition.
'checkmate' can be an answer for 'defeat' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'inevitable' bit.

'slow shambling team' is the wordplay.
'slow' becomes 'check' (checking is a kind of slowing).
'shambling' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'team' with letters rearranged gives 'mate'.
'check'+'mate'='CHECKMATE'

'means' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for checkmate that I've seen before include "Inescapable attack in chess" , "you lose!" , "Winning call on board" , "The final winning move in chess" , "The final killer move in chess" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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