Crossword Genius

Cloth used to dry when pulled briefly on line (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

towel

'cloth used to dry' is the definition.

'pulled briefly on line' is the wordplay.
'pulled' becomes 'towed' (I've seen this before).
'briefly' means to remove the last letter.
'on line' becomes 'l' (I am not sure about the 'on' bit.**).
'towed' with its last letter taken away is 'towe'.
'towe'+'l'='TOWEL'

'when' is the link.

(Other definitions for towel that I've seen before include "Piece of absorbent cloth or paper for drying" , "This could dry up" , "what sweater needs?" , "Bathroom item" , "Owlet (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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