Cautiously leaving ahead of schedule, saving seconds (8)
I believe the answer is:
gingerly
'cautiously' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for gingerly that I've seen before include "(Approach) in a cautious manner" , "Cautiously (as if in pain?)" , "With extreme care and delicacy" , "In a careful manner" , "Showing caution" .)