Crossword Genius

S-sailor upset to see these leaving ship (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rats

'see these leaving ship' is the definition.

's-sailor upset' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'tar' (slang term for a sailor).
'upset' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
's'+'tar'='star'
'star' back-to-front is 'RATS'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for rats that I've seen before include "Snoopy's imprecation - vermin" , "(Hunts) rodents - expression of irritation" , "Mild oath - sewer residents" , "Annoyed expression" , "were piped away" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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