Crossword Genius

Companion has a time for casual conversation (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chat

'casual conversation' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'companion has a time' is the wordplay.
'companion' becomes 'cha' (Companion of Honour).
'has' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'cha'+'t'='CHAT'

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for chat that I've seen before include "Inconsequential conversation" , "Communication" , "Tom in 22 [ALSACE]" , "Talking" , "tittle-tattle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app