Smart set will know these guys? (5)
I believe the answer is:
ropes
'these guys?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ropes that I've seen before include "weaker people may be on them?" , "Onion or pearl strings" , "Stays" , "They're known by experts" , "Painters" .)