Wide-awake dealer tries to show it (5)

I believe the answer is:

alert

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

'wide-awake' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'dealer tries to show it' is the wordplay.
'ALERT' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alert that I've seen before include "'Attentive, watchful (5)'" , "Watchful, quick-thinking" , "Vigilant, watchful" , "Watchful; warning" , "Warning signal" .)

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

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