Crossword Genius

Tops at leaving swell functions (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blouses

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tops' is the definition.
(blouse is a kind of top)

'leaving swell functions' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'functions' could be 'uses' ('use' can be a synonym of 'function') and 'uses' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'at' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blouses that I've seen before include "Ladies' tops" , "Female garments" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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