Confess to being in town up until after twelve (3,2)
I believe the answer is:
own up
'confess to' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'in town up until after twelve' is the wordplay.
'OWN UP' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
'being' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for own up that I've seen before include "be honest" , "Accept responsibility" , "Confess, admit guilt (3.2)" , "Confess, acknowledge fault" , "Come clean (about wrongdoing)" .)