Crossword Genius

He symbolically turns over box to pack soldiers (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

element

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'pack soldiers' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'he symbolically turns over box' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'he' could be 'lem' and 'lem' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for element that I've seen before include "Ideal situation for someone" , "briefly identified by Al or Mo, among others" , "Component - factor" , "piece" , "Iron, for instance - part of an electric kettle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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