Crossword Genius

The sticks supporter placed around Buddhist temple (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backwater

'the sticks' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'supporter placed around buddhist temple' is the wordplay.
'supporter' becomes 'backer' (backer is a kind of supporter).
'placed around' indicates putting letters inside.
'buddhist temple' becomes 'wat' (I've seen this in another clue).
'backer' enclosing 'wat' is 'BACKWATER'.

(Other definitions for backwater that I've seen before include "Isolated place" , "Stagnant part of a river" , "in the sticks" , "Place where no development happens" , "place of inactivity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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