Focusing on best dynasty (6)
I believe the answer is:
aiming
'focusing' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being present participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'on best dynasty' is the wordplay.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'best' becomes 'ai' (resembles 'A1', old-fashioned term for excellent).
'dynasty' becomes 'ming' (Chinese dynasty).
'ai' next to 'ming' is 'AIMING'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aiming that I've seen before include "Pointing, directing" , "Pointing (a weapon)" , "Directing a blow" , "Directing one's efforts" , "Directing, a missile perhaps" .)