Unknown state car carrying bishop (5)

I believe the answer is:

limbo

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'unknown state' is the definition.
'limbo' can be an answer for 'state' (limbo is a kind of state). I am not certain of the 'unknown' bit.

'car carrying bishop' is the wordplay.
'car' becomes 'limo' (limo is a kind of car**).
'carrying' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'bishop' becomes 'b' (abbreviation used in chess).
'limo' going around 'b' is 'LIMBO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for limbo that I've seen before include "Indeterminate state" , "Unresolved state" , "Uncertain situation" , "W.Indian dance" , "Medieval Christian abode for unbaptised souls" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.

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