Detectives back after finding maps so terribly irregular (9)

From Express Cryptic 20260611, 27A —

27A — Detectives back after finding maps so terribly irregular (9)SPASMODIC

  • Definition
    Definition found: 'irregular' — The definition is the last word.
  • Indicator
    Indicator found: 'back'
  • Operation
    'back' signals a reversal operation
  • Fodder
    Fodder: 'Detectives'
  • Indicator
    Indicator found: 'terribly'
  • Operation
    'terribly' signals a anagram operation
  • Fodder
    Fodder: 'maps so'
  • Abbreviation
    Abbreviations spotted: 'Detectives' → CID
  • Assembly
    (CID > DIC) + (MAPSSO > SPASMO) = SPASMODIC

Try this clue in the trainer →