Crossword Genius

Leaves in a packet (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tea

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leaves' is the definition.
(as in tea leaves)

'a packet' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'te' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tea that I've seen before include "Infusion of dried leaves" , "Assam or Darjeeling, for example" , "Hot beverage" , "(Infused) drink; meal" , "Refreshment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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