Crossword Genius

Almost there - but not before time! (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nearly

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

'almost' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'there but not before time' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'time' could be 'early' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'early' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'n' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nearly that I've seen before include "Not entirely" , "Almost, not quite" , "parsimoniously" , "Close" , "Give out a bright light" .)

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