However, time is needed for idea (7)
I believe the answer is:
thought
'needed for idea' is the definition.
'thought' can be an answer for 'idea' (synonyms). I am unsure of the 'needed for' bit.
'however time' is the wordplay.
'however' becomes 'though' (synonyms).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'though'+'t'='THOUGHT'
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for thought that I've seen before include "Idea coming to mind" , "Thinking process" , "Orwell's sort of police" , "Reflection" , "Performed brain operations" .)