Crossword Genius

What optimists seek – or what we will need to make wage? (6,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

silver lining

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'wage?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for silver lining that I've seen before include "Compensating feature of cloud" , "Redeeming aspect of unpleasant situation" , "offers hope in depression" , "What every cloud has" , "Redeeming aspect of an unfortunate situation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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