Crossword Genius

Samuel's heading into the rain -- to find Timothy, say? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

west

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'find timothy say?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'samuel's heading into the rain' is the wordplay.
'samuel's heading' becomes 's' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'the rain' becomes 'wet' (I've seen this in other clues).
's' put into 'wet' is 'WEST'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for west that I've seen before include "Occident" , "The cardinal compass point of 270 degrees" , "'Go ___ , young man'" , "One Direction" , "Mae -, US actress; W" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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