Crossword Genius

The longing teachers have at heart (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ache

'the longing' is the definition.
(longing can mean aching or pining for something)

'teachers have at heart' is the wordplay.
'at heart' indicates a hidden word (letters hidden in the heart of the clue).
'ACHE' is hidden within 'teachers have'.

(Other definitions for ache that I've seen before include "Dull throbbing pain" , "Similar" , "Long ? pain" , "Persistent dull pain" , "Hanker" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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