Road hazard, however, covered up by staff (7)

I believe the answer is:

pothole

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'road hazard' is the definition.
'pothole' can be an answer for 'hazard'. I am not sure about the 'road' bit.

'however covered up by staff' is the wordplay.
'however' becomes 'tho'' (I've seen this in another clue).
'covered up by' indicates putting letters inside.
'staff' becomes 'pole' (I've seen this before).
'tho' placed within 'pole' is 'POTHOLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pothole that I've seen before include "that can be problem when driving" , "Deep water-carved cave" , "Problem in road" , "Sorrow" , "Narrow cave" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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