Crossword Genius

They make light of upsets (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spills

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'they' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'light of upsets' is the wordplay.
'light of' becomes 'sp' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'upsets' becomes 'ills' (ill is a kind of upset).
'sp'+'ills'='SPILLS'

'make' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spills that I've seen before include "Pieces of rolled paper used to light fires" , "Pieces of rolled paper used to light a fire" , "Causes liquid to flow out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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