Crossword Genius

Saw time for promotion? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adage

'saw' is the definition.
(saw can mean a proverb or saying)

'time for promotion?' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 'age' (an age is a period of time).
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'promotion?' becomes 'ad' (short for advert).
'age' put after 'ad' is 'ADAGE'.

(Other definitions for adage that I've seen before include "Proverb, maxim" , "Saying, saw" , "Maxim, aphorism" , "say it again and again!" , "True proverb or saying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app