Crossword Genius

Times long ago opposing Leave? Yes, at first (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

antiquity

'times long ago' is the definition.

'opposing leave? yes at first' is the wordplay.
'opposing' becomes 'anti'.
'leave?' becomes 'quit' (quitting is a kind of leaving**).
'at first' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letter of 'yes' is 'y'.
'anti'+'quit'+'y'='ANTIQUITY'

(Other definitions for antiquity that I've seen before include "days of yore" , "Ancient past" , "The far distant past" , "Olden days" , "Time immemorial" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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