Crossword Genius

Establish how VIPs when late sometimes lie (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

instate

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'establish' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for instate that I've seen before include "Set up" , "Put in possession" , "Establish, install" , "Tea tins (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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