What does the cryptic crossword clue "Require lead, shortened by half, for pointer (6)" mean?

The definition is "pointer". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. NEED (synonym of "Require") + FLEX (synonym of "lead,") [deletion: "shortened"]; definition: "pointer" The answer is Needle.

Require lead, shortened by half, for pointer (6)

Telegraph Prize Cryptic #3119 | 22 Down | 2021-08-01 flower

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