Crossword Genius

People just missing first smuggler with drink (7-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

runners-up

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

'people' is the definition.
(runner-up is a kind of person)

'smuggler with drink' is the wordplay.
'smuggler' becomes 'runner' (synonyms).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'drink' becomes 'sup' (to sup is to drink).
'runner'+'sup'='RUNNERS-UP'

'just missing first' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for runners-up that I've seen before include "Second-placed competitors" , "Those not quite winning" , "Those finishing second" , "Those in second place" , "They get silver" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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