Nose operation takes ages (4)

I believe the answer is:

eons

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

'ages' is the definition.
(I know this)

'nose operation' is the wordplay.
'nose' anagrams to 'EONS'.
However, I'm unsure how the anagram is indicated.

'takes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eons that I've seen before include "Divisions of geological time" , "Times" , "Endless periods" , "Nose (anag)" , "Years and years" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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