Crossword Genius

Earth to become fine with time (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sett

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'earth' is the definition.
(both can refer to an animal's underground home)

'fine with time' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'set' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'set'+'t'='SETT'

'to become' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sett that I've seen before include "Retreat" , "Badger's home" , "Badgers' lair" , "paving stone" , "beastly accommodation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app