Crossword Genius

Following delay man makes US city (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flagstaff

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'us city' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'following delay man' is the wordplay.
'following' becomes 'f' (used when citing page numbers etc).
'delay' becomes 'lag' (lag is a kind of delay).
'man' becomes 'staff' (both can mean to work at a particular post).
'f'+'lag'+'staff'='FLAGSTAFF'

'makes' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flagstaff that I've seen before include "supporter of raised standards" , "Ceremonial pole" , "Flying Pole" , "Standard-bearer" , "where colours seen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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