Crossword Genius

Pointers not required? Not entirely (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needles

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'pointers' is the definition.
(needle is a kind of pointer)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needles that I've seen before include "Rocks off Isle of Wight" , "Christmas tree leaves" , "IoW rocks" , "Annoys the pointed implements?" , "Winds up" .)

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