Crossword Genius

Spooner's loose caveman an uppity bounder (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tree frog

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'bounder' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tree frog that I've seen before include "Arboreal amphibian" , "Amphibian found in the branches?" , "High jumper" .)

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