Crossword Genius

Hangers-on to wacky ideas (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toadies

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

'hangers-on' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'to wacky ideas' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'to' is found in the answer.
an anagram of 'ideas' is 'adies' which is located in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toadies that I've seen before include "Slimy amphibious types" , "Flatterers, sycophants" , "Bootlickers" , "They suck up" , "Yes-men" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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