Some nonlinear systems offering approaches (5)

I believe the answer is:

nears

'approaches' is the definition.
(I know this)

'some nonlinear systems offering' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates a hidden word (some of the parts of the word are used).
'NEARS' is hidden in the letters of 'nonlinear systems offering'.

(Other definitions for nears that I've seen before include "Approaches - snare (anag)" , "Moves closer to" , "Bears down" , "is approaching" , "Gets closer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.

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