Crossword Genius

Medium out of time regards empty rows (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tiers

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'rows' is the definition.
(tier is a kind of row)

'medium out of time regards empty' is the wordplay.
'medium out of time' becomes 'tie' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'regards' with its middle removed is 'rs'.
'tie'+'rs'='TIERS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tiers that I've seen before include "Layers, levels" , "aprons for kids" , "I rest in layers" , "Rows; levels" , "Binders" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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