Crossword Genius

When sloshed emerge in a confused crowd (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

menagerie

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

'confused crowd' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'when sloshed emerge in a' is the wordplay.
'when sloshed' is an anagram indicator.
'emerge'+'in'+'a'='emergeina'
'emergeina' anagrammed gives 'MENAGERIE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for menagerie that I've seen before include "Collection of live animals for study or display" , "Animal exhibition" , "Assembly of animals" , "Beastly lot" , "Zoo" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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