Crossword Genius

On a checklist? Tag criminal promptly (7,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

against the clock

'promptly' is the definition.

'on a checklist? tag criminal' is the wordplay.
'criminal' is an anagram indicator.
'on'+'a'+'checklist'+'tag'='onachecklisttag'
'onachecklisttag' is an anagram of 'AGAINST THE CLOCK'.

(Other definitions for against the clock that I've seen before include "in a desperate hurry?" , "under pressure" , "subject to time constraints" , "How hands may be viewed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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