Crossword Genius

Dutch helping for as long as it takes (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

duration

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'as long as it takes' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'dutch helping' is the wordplay.
'dutch' becomes 'du' (abbreviation).
'helping' becomes 'ration' (a ration is a serving or helping).
'du'+'ration'='DURATION'

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for duration that I've seen before include "Period during which something continues" , "Time scale" , "Around it (anag.)" , "Length of time" , "Term, span, time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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