Crossword Genius

Delayed dates rearranged around start of year (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stayed

'delayed' is the definition.
('stay' can be a synonym of 'delay')

'dates rearranged around start of year' is the wordplay.
'rearranged' is an anagram indicator.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'start of year' becomes 'y'.
'dates' with letters rearranged gives 'staed'.
'staed' enclosing 'y' is 'STAYED'.

(Other definitions for stayed that I've seen before include "Continued" , "Supported" , "Remained or deferred" , "Remained, propped up" , "Stuck around" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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