Clean up for the lubbers! (5)
I believe the answer is:
swabs
'the lubbers' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'clean up' is the wordplay.
'clean' becomes 'swab' (swabbing is a kind of cleaning).
'up' becomes 's' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'swab'+'s'='SWABS'
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
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