However, time is needed for idea (7)

I believe the answer is:

thought

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'needed for idea' is the definition.
'thought' can be an answer for 'idea' (synonyms). I am unsure of the 'needed for' bit.

'however time' is the wordplay.
'however' becomes 'though' (synonyms).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'though'+'t'='THOUGHT'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thought that I've seen before include "Idea coming to mind" , "Thinking process" , "Orwell's sort of police" , "Reflection" , "Performed brain operations" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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