What does the cryptic crossword clue "NUT leader at sea, the same as before (9)" mean?

The definition is "NUT". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of NUT + LEADER = UNALTERED; definition: "the same as before" The answer is UNALTERED.

NUT leader at sea, the same as before (9)

Times Cryptic #27099 | 9 Across | 2018-07-25 flower