What the ayes are (3)

I believe the answer is:

for

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'are' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for for that I've seen before include "Approving" , "and 16 and 20: Notwithstanding" , "On behalf of" , "On the side of" , "In support of" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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