Crossword Genius

Delay yearly exercise ... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pause

'delay' is the definition.
(I know that pause is a more specific form of delay)

'yearly exercise' is the wordplay.
'yearly' becomes 'pa' (abbreviation for per annum).
'exercise' becomes 'use' (synonyms).
'pa'+'use'='PAUSE'

(Other definitions for pause that I've seen before include "Short delay" , "Short break" , "Halt briefly" , "Stop briefly, take ten" , "Temporary inactivity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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