Crossword Genius

Ring through at a quarter past from work (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

operate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'past from work' is the definition.
'operate' can be an answer for 'work' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'past from' bit.

'ring through at a quarter' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'o'.
'through' becomes 'per' (I've seen this before).
'a quarter' becomes 'e'.
'o'+'per'+'at'+'e'='OPERATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for operate that I've seen before include "Work, function" , "Work as a surgeon" , "Carry on business" , "Function; run" , "Control, run, a mcahine say" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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