Crossword Genius

Best, when unprotected and surrounded by lions, to take the chair (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

preside

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

'take the chair' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'best when unprotected and surrounded by lions' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'when' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is present in the answer.
'by' could be 'side' (synonyms) and 'side' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for preside that I've seen before include "Be chairman" , "Take the chair" , "Be in authority (over)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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