Crossword Genius

Take a lot of time to become socially accepted? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

belong

'time to become socially accepted?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'take a lot' is the wordplay.
'take' becomes 'be' (being is a kind of taking).
'a lot' becomes 'long' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'be'+'long'='BELONG'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for belong that I've seen before include "Be the property of" , "Pertain" , "Appertain" , "accepted socially" , "Have a proper place (in)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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