Mean clue, hard going: editor keeping note (6)

I believe the answer is:

intend

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'mean clue' is the definition.
'intend' can be an answer for 'mean' (to intend to something is to mean it). I'm not sure about the 'clue' bit.

'hard going editor keeping note' is the wordplay.
'hard going' becomes 'int' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'keeping' indicates putting letters inside.
'note' becomes 'n' (abbreviation).
'ed' enclosing 'n' is 'end'.
'int'+'end'='INTEND'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for intend that I've seen before include "Aim, plan" , "Signify" , "Mean - purpose" , "Contemplate - mean - plan" , "Mean (to do something)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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