Provided the number to dial in return (4,2)

I believe the answer is:

laid on

'provided' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'number to dial in return' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'no' (abbreviation).
'in return' says the letters should be written backwards (return can mean to go backwards).
'no'+'dial'='nodial'
'nodial' back-to-front is 'LAID ON'.

'the' is the link.

(Another definition for laid on that I've seen is " Provided".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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