Close match that’s not put on till late? (7)
I believe the answer is:
nightie
'not put on till late?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'close match' is the wordplay.
'close' becomes 'nigh' (similar in meaning).
'match' becomes 'tie' (tie can mean a sporting fixture).
'nigh'+'tie'='NIGHTIE'
'that's' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nightie that I've seen before include "covering for retired person" , "Sleeping attire" , "cover for retiring" , "Bedtime habit" , "Sleeping garment" .)