Crossword Genius

Young Leonard first tried a fast time (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lent

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

'a fast time' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'young leonard first tried' is the wordplay.
'young leonard' becomes 'len' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'young' bit.).
'first tried' becomes 't' (lst letter of 'tried').
'len'+'t'='LENT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lent that I've seen before include "Period of fasting" , "Christian period of abstinence" , "Gave the use of for a time" , "Fast time" , "From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.