Crossword Genius

Linger when covered with black stuff? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tarry

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'linger' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'covered with black stuff?' is the wordplay.
'covered' becomes 'ry' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'black stuff?' becomes 'tar' (tar is a black substance).
'ry' after 'tar' is 'TARRY'.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tarry that I've seen before include "Hang around" , "covered with dark liquid" , "Lag" , "Stay longer than intended" , "Wait" .)

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