What does the cryptic crossword clue "Time for New Yorker, released from centre, to get back (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EA (synonym="EA") + STERN (synonym="”back”") = EASTERN The answer is EASTERN.

Time for New Yorker, released from centre, to get back (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29533 | 20 Down | 2024-11-06 flower