Crossword Genius

Extreme torpor partly receding for now (3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pro tem

'for now' is the definition.
(short for pro tempore, meaning for the time being)

'extreme torpor partly receding' is the wordplay.
'partly' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (part of the clue is used).
'receding' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'metorp' can be found hidden inside 'extreme torpor'.
'metorp' back-to-front is 'PRO TEM'.

(Other definitions for pro tem that I've seen before include "For the time being, to the old Romans in short" , "For the present" , "until proper arrangement is made" , "For the time being (Latin abbreviation)" , "not indefinitely extended" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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