Crossword Genius

Passing water leaders swap places causing devastation (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruination

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'devastation' is the definition.
(I know that ruination is a type of devastation)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ruination that I've seen before include "Complete destruction or collapse" , "Crippling defeat" , "bankruptcy" , "State of loss" , "Utter destruction" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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