The smiles of sturdy supporters (5)

I believe the answer is:

beams

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'the smiles' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for beams that I've seen before include "Smiles; joists" , "Rays of light" , "Shines" , "Smiles broadly or sunnily" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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