In earnest, dear, you need more than one! (3)
I believe the answer is:
ear
'one' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'in earnest dear you need more' is the wordplay.
'EAR' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
'than' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ear that I've seen before include "Aural organ" , "Attention; an organ" , "willingness to listen" , "good sense of music" , "That makes sense" .)