Crossword Genius

Exercise for us at closing time (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

use

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'exercise' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'us at closing time' is the wordplay.
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'closing time' becomes 'e' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'us'+'e'='USE'

'for' acts as a link.

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(Other definitions for use that I've seen before include "Operate" , "Exploit; custom" , "Apply, employ" , "Milk" , "Put to work" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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