As good as gold? Us, almost (7-2)
I believe the answer is:
runners-up
'as good as gold? us' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for runners-up that I've seen before include "Those finishing second" , "Second-placed competitors" , "Silver medallists" , "Those placed second" , "Near winners" .)