Dead and not before time (4)
I believe the answer is:
late
'dead' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'not before time' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'before' could be 'e' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'e' is found in the answer.
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'la' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'and' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for late that I've seen before include "Recently dead" , "Running behind time" , "Tardy, slow" , "Former, delayed" , "(Of a person) no longer alive" .)