At the top, the Conservative leader needs a break (5)

I believe the answer is:

crest

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

'at the top' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'conservative leader needs a break' is the wordplay.
'leader' indicates taking the first letters.
'needs' says to put letters next to each other.
'a break' becomes 'rest' (a rest is taking a break).
The initial letter of 'conservative' is 'c'.
'c'+'rest'='CREST'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crest that I've seen before include "Top (of wave etc)" , "Peak - comb" , "Top point of hill or wave" , "Surmount" , "Top of a ridge/wave" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.