Crossword Genius

Around a minute behind time to get coat? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

laminate

'coat?' is the definition.
(to laminate is to coat in plastic)

'around a minute behind time' is the wordplay.
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'minute' becomes 'min' (abbreviation).
'behind time' becomes 'late' (I've seen this before).
'a'+'min'='amin'
'amin' placed inside 'late' is 'LAMINATE'.

'to get' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for laminate that I've seen before include "Split into layers; cover with protective material" , "Manufacture by layering" , "Thinly cover" , "Sheet of material made by bonding two or more sheets" , "Material made up of bonded sheets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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