Inebriate elite was in charge (7)

I believe the answer is:

pickled

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'inebriate' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'elite was in charge' is the wordplay.
'elite' becomes 'pick' (pick is a kind of elite).
'was in charge' becomes 'led' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pick'+'led'='PICKLED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pickled that I've seen before include "Preserved - drunk" , "Blotto" , "Preserved in vinegar or brine" , "Preserved in liquid" , "Soused" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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