X kept close to better semi-occupant? (7)
I believe the answer is:
trucker
'x kept close to better' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'semi-occupant?' is the wordplay.
'semi' becomes 'truck' (I've seen this in another clue).
'occupant?' becomes 'er' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'truck'+'er'='TRUCKER'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trucker that I've seen before include "Long-distance lorry driver" , "(US) lorry driver" , "I convey" , "Professional driver" , "One who has dealings with" .)