Question 1

What does the cryptic crossword clue "Left always needs time to gain influence (8)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The definition is "influence". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). L (synonym="abbrev. for “left”") + EVER (synonym="always/at all times") + AGE (synonym="a long period of time") = LEVERAGE; definition: "influence" The answer is LEVERAGE.

Question 2

What is the answer to "Left always needs time to gain influence (8)"?

Accepted Answer

The answer is LEVERAGE.