Crossword Genius

Finding idle amusement when slaughter occurs? (7,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

killing time

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'finding idle amusement' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't tell whether this works.

'slaughter occurs?' is the wordplay.
'slaughter' becomes 'killing' (I've seen this before).
'occurs?' becomes 'time' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'killing'+'time'='KILLING TIME'

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for killing time that I've seen before include "Finding idle amusement - perhaps" , "Occupying oneself to avoid boredom" , "Filling in spare moments" , "Occupying oneself to pass hours" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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