What does the cryptic crossword clue "Smart southern Leith almost takes on the church (6)" mean?

The definition is "Smart". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). S (synonym="Southern") + PRU (synonym="PRU") + CE (synonym="Church of England") = SPRUCE; definition: "Smart" The answer is SPRUCE.

Smart southern Leith almost takes on the church (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29556 | 1 Down | 2024-12-03 flower

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