The way to suggest a past time (4)
I believe the answer is:
then
'suggest a past time' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'the way' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'n' (Compass direction - North).
'the'+'n'='THEN'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for then that I've seen before include "Subsequently - previously" , "Once upon a time" , "Consequently" , "At that time; next" , "Afterwards - as a result" .)