Joining up, with lieutenant initially dropping hint (7)

I believe the answer is:

inkling

'hint' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for inkling that I've seen before include "Vague notion" , "Glimmering of notion" , "Suspicion, hunch" , "Faint idea" , "Slight hint or suspicion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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