Elitists saving face - honest! (5)

I believe the answer is:

snobs

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'elitists' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for snobs that I've seen before include "Pretentious persons" , "have jobs at last" .)

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

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