Rulers make Carol sigh sadly (9)
I believe the answer is:
oligarchs
'rulers' is the definition.
'carol sigh sadly' is the wordplay.
'sadly' is an anagram indicator.
'carol'+'sigh'='carolsigh'
'carolsigh' anagrammed gives 'OLIGARCHS'.
'make' is the link.
(Other definitions for oligarchs that I've seen before include "governors" , "Influential businessmen" .)
I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app