Crossword Genius

As a result of running late, take a moment and not more (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

breathless

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

'as a result of running late' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'a moment and not more' is the wordplay.
'a moment' becomes 'breath' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'not more' becomes 'less' ('less' is the opposite to 'more').
'breath'+'less'='BREATHLESS'

'take' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for breathless that I've seen before include "Still" , "panting?" , "Short-winded" , "Spent" , "Gasping for air" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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