Crossword Genius

To be old is to have time (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exist

'to be' is the definition.
('exist' can be a synonym of 'be')

'old is to have time' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'ex'.
'to have' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't'.
'ex'+'is'+'t'='EXIST'

(Other definitions for exist that I've seen before include "Get a life!" , "Survive" , "Subsist" , "Have being or continue living" , "Be alive" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.