Crossword Genius

Revolutionary to stagger around leader of Bolsheviks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rebel

'revolutionary' is the definition.
(rebel is a kind of revolutionary)

'stagger around leader of bolsheviks' is the wordplay.
'stagger' becomes 'reel' ('reel' can be a synonym of 'stagger').
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'leader of' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'bolsheviks' is 'b'.
'reel' enclosing 'b' is 'REBEL'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for rebel that I've seen before include "Mutineer, one who defies authority" , "Bolshy" , "Kick over the traces" , "Dissident" , "Rise up (without a cause?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app