They take turns as openers (4)
I believe the answer is:
keys
'openers' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for keys that I've seen before include "Low-lying Caribbean islands" , "Low islands, sycamore fruits" , "Landing places" , "Musical scales" , "Lock-openers?" .)