Crossword Genius

Quickly deflate favourite doll (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

poppet

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

'doll' is the definition.
(I know that doll can be written as poppet)

'quickly deflate favourite' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'favourite' could be 'pet' (synonyms) and 'pet' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'pop' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for poppet that I've seen before include "dear" , "Sweet little darling" , "Term of endearment" , "Term of affection for a child or sweetheart" , "adorable child" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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