Utopian notions ridiculed as idle (6)

I believe the answer is:

ideals

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'utopian notions' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'ridiculed as idle' is the wordplay.
'as idle' anagrams to 'IDEALS'.
However, I am not clear how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ideals that I've seen before include "High standards for ladies" , "They're perfect" , "Lofty aspirations for ladies" , "Morals" , "Standards of excellence" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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