Bosses to lead American fools (3,7)

I believe the answer is:

top bananas

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'bosses' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'to lead american fools' is the wordplay.
'lead' becomes 'Pb' (Pb is the chemical symbol for lead).
'american' becomes 'a' (common abbreviation - e.g. in organisation names).
'fools' becomes 'nanas' (I've seen this before).
'to'+'pb'+'a'+'nanas'='TOP BANANAS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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