Crossword Genius

Drat! Turn back; that’s the way to be the latest (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tardiest

'the latest' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'drat turn back that's the way' is the wordplay.
'turn back' says the letters should be written backwards (I've seen 'turns back' mean this).
'that's' becomes 'ie'.
'the way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'drat' reversed gives 'tard'.
'tard'+'ie'+'st'='TARDIEST'

'to be' acts as a link.

(Another definition for tardiest that I've seen is " Striated in latest manner".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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