Economical for about a season (7)

I believe the answer is:

sparing

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'economical' is the definition.
('sparing' can be a synonym of 'economical')

'for about a season' is the wordplay.
'for' becomes 'a' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'a season' becomes 'spring' (spring is a kind of season).
'a' placed into 'spring' is 'SPARING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sparing that I've seen before include "Economical; having mercy" , "mean" , "Economic (with resources)" , "Scanty - merciful" , "Moderate, economical" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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