Yearn to be like John Silver (4)

I believe the answer is:

long

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'yearn' is the definition.
(I know that yearn is a more specific form of long)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for long that I've seen before include "Yearn (for)" , "extended period" , "to be tall" , "Sustained" , "Lengthy - pine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.