Crossword Genius

Old city has time for top quality (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

the best

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

'top quality' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'old city has time' is the wordplay.
'old city' becomes 'Thebes' (ancient Greek city).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'thebes'+'t'='THE BEST'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for the best that I've seen is " second to none".)

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