Toast checkers lose heart! (6)

I believe the answer is:

cheers

'toast' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'checkers lose heart' is the wordplay.
'lose heart' suggests removing the centre (I've seen 'losing heart' mean this).
'checkers' with its centre removed is 'CHEERS'.

(Other definitions for cheers that I've seen before include "Accolade" , "Shouts of applause, or drinking toast" , "A hearty toast" , "Praises < eggs on" , "Heartens with hurrahs" .)

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

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app