Explanation of solution please?

[lapwing]

This is from Tuesday Guardian:
Put down in the correct order (5) - Answer \"preen\"
I\'ve puzzled for ages but can\'t see why

[Mamyalynne]

A birds feathers can be described as down especially in a young bird and to preen their feathers is to put them in order

[albaqwerty]

sorry don't do that crossword but could only suggest
PreEN pen as in to put down/write
pReen R as in correct
but the other E has me puzzled

[albaqwerty]

knew there would be a better answer!

[lapwing]

Thank you both. I can see that "put down in the correct order" is to preen, but it's not cryptic, is it?

[Mamyalynne]

well it had you puzzled LOL

[Mamyalynne]

I may of course be wrong but makes sense to me

[crofter]

There is a type of cryptic clue that simply tries to mislead by adopting an usual interpretation!

For example, "Drawing room furniture" (8,5) DENTIST'S CHAIR

I believe that your clue falls within this category.

[crofter]

Of course, I mean "unusual interpretation"!

[lapwing]

Yes, I do see what you're saying. I don't want to be argumentative, but to me the clue is simply a definition that is not quite cryptic enough. Unlike the "drawing room furniture" which is very clever. No, on second thoughts, you're all correct :o)