Revolting fellow's late start after swilling beer (5)
I believe the answer is:
rebel
'revolting fellow's late start after swilling beer' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'late start after swilling beer' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'swilling' is an anagram indicator (swill can mean to stir or swirl round).
The initial letter of 'late' is 'l'.
'beer' is an anagram of 'rebe'.
'l' put after 'rebe' is 'REBEL'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rebel that I've seen before include "James Dean was one without a cause" , "Mutineer, one who defies authority" , "Resistance fighter" , "One who fights authority" , "Kick over the traces" .)