Cream in the literal sense, though figurative (5)
I believe the answer is:
elite
'cream' is the definition.
(as in the cream of the crop)
'the literal sense though figurative' is the wordplay.
'ELITE' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "twelve pitch in the office" , "First-class" , "Pick of the bunch" , "Identified as the best" , "Privileged or posh group" .)