Many a service involves needlework (4)

I believe the answer is:

darn

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'involves needlework' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'many a service' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'd' ().
'service' becomes 'RN' (abbreviation for Royal Navy).
'd'+'a'+'rn'='DARN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for darn that I've seen before include "Mend (e.g. socks)" , "Repair holes by sewing" , "Repair (sock)" , "Repair (with needle)" , "Mend (woollens)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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