Firm dates fixed without delay (9)
I believe the answer is:
steadfast
'firm' is the definition.
(I know that firm can be written as steadfast)
'dates fixed without delay' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'dates' is 'stead' which is within the answer.
'fixed' could be 'fast' (synonyms) and 'fast' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for steadfast that I've seen before include "Dependable, unwavering" , "Fixed, unyielding" , "Firm, fixed and faithful" , "Constant, not changing or yielding" , "Resolutely firm" .)