Top association for one in pack (3,2,5)
I believe the answer is:
ace of clubs
'pack' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'top association for one' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'top' could be 'ace' (ace can informally mean very good) and 'ace' is located in the answer.
'association' could be 'club' (club is a kind of association) and 'club' is found within the answer.
'one' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ace of clubs that I've seen before include "finest social venue" , "card?" , "brilliant Batman!" , "Top golfer" , "one in a black suit" .)