Staggered but got in line (6)
I believe the answer is:
reeled
'staggered' is the definition.
('reel' can be a synonym of 'stagger')
'got in line' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'got' could be 'led' (leading is a kind of getting) and 'led' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ree' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'but' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reeled that I've seen before include "Felt giddy or bewildered" , "Staggered (at a Highland ball?)" , "Staggered in a dance perhaps" , "Lurched" , "swam around" .)