Crossword Genius

Hopes for area neighbouring Western Isles (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

awaits

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

'hopes' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'area neighbouring western isles' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'area' could be 'a' (maths abbreviation) and 'a' is found in the answer.
'western' could be 'w' and 'w' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'aits' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for awaits that I've seen before include "Expects" , "Looks for; is in store for" , "Looks forward to" , "Doesn't go" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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