It's used to steep perhaps in a dream (8)
I believe the answer is:
marinade
'it's used to steep' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'perhaps in a dream' is the wordplay.
'perhaps' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in'+'a'+'dream'='inadream'
'inadream' with letters rearranged gives 'MARINADE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for marinade that I've seen before include "Type of star system" , "Food is steeped in this to improve flavour" , "Mixtures used for soaking foods before cooking" , "Spicy liquid for soaking meat or fish" , "Liquid for soaking food before cooking" .)