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Something you require when heartlessly nettled (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

need

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'something you require' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'heartlessly nettled' is the wordplay.
'heartlessly' means to remove the middle letters.
'nettled' with its centre taken out is 'NEED'.

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for need that I've seen before include "state requiring relief" , "Rely on" , "Lack - demand" , "What's lacking" , "Require; want" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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