Place in retreat to find covers (4)
I believe the answer is:
tops
'covers' is the definition.
(topping is a kind of covering)
'place in retreat' is the wordplay.
'place' becomes 'spot' (synonyms).
'in retreat' says the letters should be written backwards.
'spot' written backwards gives 'TOPS'.
'to find' is the link.
(Other definitions for tops that I've seen before include "spinners" , "Excellent" , "Exceeds" , "Beats" , "Upper garments" .)