Ideal end perhaps when this is met? (8)
I believe the answer is:
deadline
'this is met?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'ideal end perhaps' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates anagramming the letters.
'ideal'+'end'='idealend'
'idealend' with letters rearranged gives 'DEADLINE'.
'when' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for deadline that I've seen before include "Ideal end (anag)" , "Latest time for doing something" , "problem for the editor?" , "a writer may have to meet" , "that shouldn't be missed?" .)