Crossword Genius

The requirement to be less than knee deep (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

need

'the requirement' is the definition.
('need' can be a synonym of 'requirement')

'less than knee deep' is the wordplay.
'less' indicates a hidden word (the clue less some of the letters in it).
'NEED' is hidden within 'than knee deep'.

'to be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for need that I've seen before include "Rely on" , "Cry out for - prerequisite" , "state of distress" , "What's lacking" , "state requiring relief" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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