Crossword Genius

Direct the short way at all times (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

steer

'direct' is the definition.
(I know that direct can be written as steer)

'short way at all times' is the wordplay.
'short way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street; 'short' asks for an abbreviation).
'at all times' becomes 'eer' (archaic or poetic word meaning ever or forever).
'st'+'eer'='STEER'

'the' is the link.

(Other definitions for steer that I've seen before include "Reset so as to direct" , "Guide, direct" , "Guide the bull" , "The animal to direct" , "Navigate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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