Crossword Genius

Sweeps airforce before the self-retired (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

raffles

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

'sweeps' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'airforce before the self-retired' is the wordplay.
'airforce' becomes 'RAF' (Royal Air Force).
'before' says to put letters next to each other.
'retired' is a reversal indicator.
'self' written backwards gives 'fles'.
'raf'+'fles'='RAFFLES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for raffles that I've seen before include "Hornung character" , "famous Singapore hotel" , "Money raisers" , "charity events" , "held to raise money" .)

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.