Crossword Genius

Spell isn't broken on time (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stint

'spell' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'isn't broken on time' is the wordplay.
'broken' indicates an anagram.
'on' is an insertion indicator (as in clothing \'on\' a person).
'time' becomes 't'.
'isnt' is an anagram of 'sint'.
'sint' placed around 't' is 'STINT'.

(Other definitions for stint that I've seen before include "Prescribed share of work" , "Be sparing; sandpiper" , "Assignment" , "Fixed amount - allowance" , "Limitation of effort" .)

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