Top falling off smart container for ashes (3)

I believe the answer is:

urn

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'container for ashes' is the definition.
(ashes are typically stored in an urn)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for urn that I've seen before include "Large vessel, for tea perhaps" , "A large vase as for human ashes" , "Tall vase with stem" , "Vase-shaped vessel" , "Rounded vase" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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