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This girl’s after top tip for air and fire signs (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ashes

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'fire signs' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'this girl's after top tip for air' is the wordplay.
'this girl' becomes 'shes' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'top tip for' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'air' is 'a'.
'shes' after 'a' is 'ASHES'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ashes that I've seen before include "Cricketing trophy - remains" , "''... to ..., dust to dust'' (burial service)" , "International competition" , "sports contest" , "Burnt residue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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