Crossword Genius

One understanding one’s time as a dreamer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idealist

'a dreamer' is the definition.
('idealist' can be a synonym of 'dreamer')

'one understanding one's time' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'understanding' becomes 'deal' (deal is a kind of understanding).
'one's' becomes 'I's' (Roman numeral).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'i'+'deal'+'is'+'t'='IDEALIST'

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for idealist that I've seen before include "Details I accumulated about person with best intentions" , "man of principle" , "Person with lofty and unselfish aspirations" , "Visionary" , "philosopher" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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