Crossword Genius

Taking joint, he's addled, not entirely able to control matters ... (2,3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in the saddle

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

'able to control matters' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'taking joint he's addled not entirely' is the wordplay.
'not entirely' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'IN THE SADDLE' is hidden in the letters of 'taking joint hes addled'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in the saddle that I've seen before include "Rider's position" , "as a Mountie?" , "On horseback (and in control!)" , "Exercising control" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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