Corrupted mailings I'm missing from associates (6)
I believe the answer is:
aligns
'associates' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'corrupted mailings i'm missing' is the wordplay.
'corrupted' indicates an anagram.
'missing' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'mailings' with 'im' taken away is 'alings'.
'alings' with letters rearranged gives 'ALIGNS'.
'from' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aligns that I've seen before include "Makes (a policy) fit (with another)" , "allies" , "Brings into line with signal" , "Arranges in a straight row" , "Fits (with)" .)