Crossword Genius

Not the best variety of bean to eat? (7-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

runners-up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not the best variety' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'bean to eat?' is the wordplay.
'bean' becomes 'runner bean' (runner bean is a kind of bean).
'to eat?' becomes 'sup' (supping is a kind of eating).
'runner'+'sup'='RUNNERS-UP'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for runners-up that I've seen before include "Those behind the winner" , "Silver medallists" , "Those finishing second" , "They get silver" , "Those not quite winning" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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