Crossword Genius

Follower’s ace lie — time to go before fuss (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aficionado

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

'follower's' is the definition.
(I have seen 'ardent follower' mean 'aficionado' so perhaps 'follower' could also mean 'aficionado')

'ace lie time to go before fuss' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'ace' could be 'i' (synonyms) and 'i' is present in the answer.
'time' could be 'ad' (AD, Anno Domini, as opposed to BC, Before Christ) and 'ad' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aficionado that I've seen before include "Admirer" , "Fan (Sp.)" , "lover" , "Fan; enthusiast" , "Informed enthusiast" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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