What does the cryptic crossword clue "Not quite top primate (3)" mean?

The definition is "primate". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. APEX (synonym of "top") [curtailing: "Not quite"]; definition: "primate" The answer is APE.

Not quite top primate (3)

Times Cryptic #28674 | 7 Down | 2023-08-05 flower

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