Crossword Genius

Taunt that may be on record? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needle

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'taunt that' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'be on record?' is the wordplay.
'be' becomes 'need' (needing is a kind of being).
'on record?' becomes 'le' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'need'+'le'='NEEDLE'

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needle that I've seen before include "joint" , "Sewing implement used to annoy" , "Irritate; pine leaf" , "Annoy by continuous criticism; stylus" , "pinnacle of rock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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