Was pre-eminent in double-dealing (3)

I believe the answer is:

led

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

'was pre-eminent' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'in double-dealing' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'LED' can be found hidden inside 'double dealing'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for led that I've seen before include "Took by the hand and showed the way" , "Went at the head of others" , "Light-emitting diode (abbr.)" , "showed the way ahead" , "Influenced" .)

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