Apt, when the time gets close (7)

I believe the answer is:

tending

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'apt' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'the time gets close' is the wordplay.
'the time' becomes 'ten' (I've seen this before).
'gets close' becomes 'ding' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ten'+'ding'='TENDING'

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tending that I've seen before include "Naturally disposed toward" , "Taking care of or leaning towards" , "Waiting on" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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