Open the drapes? (6)

I believe the answer is:

spread

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

'open' is the definition.
(I know that open can be written as spread)

'drapes?' is the wordplay.
'drapes' anagrams to 'SPREAD'.
But, I'm not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spread that I've seen before include "Sort of betting" , "expansion?" , "Distribute or disperse widely" , "Open, fan out, unfold" , "Extend - banquet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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