Crossword Genius

Fix mother part in long rambling story (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rigmarole

'long rambling story' is the definition.
(rigmarole can mean a convoluted story or process)

'fix mother part' is the wordplay.
'fix' becomes 'rig' (rig can mean to fix or manipulate).
'mother' becomes 'ma' (ma can mean mother).
'part' becomes 'role' (eg a theatrical role).
'rig'+'ma'+'role'='RIGMAROLE'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for rigmarole that I've seen before include "Tedious procedure" , "A grim role for long rambling statement" , "long, tedious business" , "Rambling account" , "garbled nonsense" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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