Crossword Genius

Bound to be slow to put up universal rate (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

galumph

'bound' is the definition.
(to galumph is to bound or stomp around)

'slow to put up universal rate' is the wordplay.
'slow' becomes 'lag' (to lag is to be slow).
'to put up' is a reversal indicator.
'universal' becomes 'u'.
'rate' becomes 'mph' (miles per hour).
'lag' in reverse letter order is 'gal'.
'gal'+'u'+'mph'='GALUMPH'

'to be' is the link.

(Other definitions for galumph that I've seen before include "Move clumsily, ponderously (colloq.)" , "Stride exultantly" , "Bound so excitedly" , "move inelegantly" , "proceed awkwardly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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