Figure always to change direction (4)

I believe the answer is:

veer

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'change direction' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'figure always' is the wordplay.
'figure' becomes 'v' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'v'+'eer'='VEER'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for veer that I've seen before include "Change direction abruptly" , "Deviate" , "Change direction sharply" , "Swerve" , "Swing around" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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