Sea-crew is exploited for smart-alecs (9)

I believe the answer is:

wiseacres

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'smart-alecs' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'sea-crew is exploited' is the wordplay.
'exploited' indicates an anagram.
'sea'+'crew'+'is'='seacrewis'
'seacrewis' anagrammed gives 'WISEACRES'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for wiseacres that I've seen is " not as clever as they seem?".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.