Can mean a lot to the Poles (4)

I believe the answer is:

tons

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'can mean a lot' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'to the poles' is the wordplay.
'the poles' becomes 'ns' (North and South poles).
'to'+'ns'='TONS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tons that I've seen before include "A lot" , "Loads (sl.)" , "Lots" , "Each is equivalent to 2240 pounds" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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