Establish how VIPs when late sometimes lie (7)

I believe the answer is:

instate

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

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

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for instate that I've seen before include "Set up" , "Put in possession" , "Establish, install" , "Tea tins (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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