Crossword Genius

Typical helper on expedition, one carrying the flag? (8-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

standard-bearer

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

'typical helper' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'on expedition one carrying the flag?' is the wordplay.
'on expedition' becomes 'bearer' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'one carrying' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, the bottom letters carry others).
'the flag?' becomes 'standard' (standard is a kind of flag).
'bearer' after 'standard' is 'STANDARD-BEARER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for standard-bearer that I've seen before include "Flag-carrying soldier" , "Leading figure in a cause" , "Leader of a cause" , "Leading figure in a movement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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