Let develop over time

AGE

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue \"Let develop over time\":\n\n**\"Like fine wine or cheese, it happens naturally.\"**\n\nThis hint suggests a process that occurs gradually and is often associated with improvement or change, guiding the solver toward the idea of aging without directly stating it."]

The clue "Let develop over time" leads to the answer "AGE" through a straightforward definition. The phrase "develop over time" is a common way of describing the process of aging. Additionally, the word "let" in this context could be interpreted as allowing or permitting something to happen, which in this case is the natural process of growing older or aging. Therefore, the clue is a concise description of the answer, "AGE". There is no complex wordplay or pun involved; it's a direct definition.