In dispute, what’s needed for a 3? (2,5)
I believe the answer is:
at issue
'in dispute' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'needed for a 3?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'tissue' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'what's' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for at issue that I've seen before include "In question, under discussion" , "Questionable" , "in dispute" , "Being discussed or disputed" , "under debate" .)