Crossword Genius

Prior to Quins trials, dropped now and then (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

until

'prior to' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'quins trials dropped now and then' is the wordplay.
'dropped now and then' indicates alternate letters.
'quins'+'trials'='quinstrials'
The alternate letters of 'quinstrials' are 'UNTIL'.

(Other definitions for until that I've seen before include "As far as" , "Up to (a point in time)" , "As late as" , "Unlit (anag.)" , "Up to that moment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.