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It's up to an academician to provide something topping! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tiara

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'provide something topping' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'it's up to an academician' is the wordplay.
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'to an academician' becomes 'ara'.
'it' backwards is 'ti'.
'ti'+'ara'='TIARA'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tiara that I've seen before include "expensive headwear" , "Jewelled head ornament" , "Decorative headband" , "it goes to one's head!" , "Great delight" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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