Poised for a come-down? (5)

I believe the answer is:

above

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'poised' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for above that I've seen before include "In a higher position" , "Aforementioned" , "Position of the heavens!" , "Break into pieces" , "Aloft" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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