Crossword Genius

For instance, taking time to pause (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stay

'pause' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'for instance taking time' is the wordplay.
'for instance' becomes 'say'.
'taking' indicates putting letters inside.
'time' becomes 't'.
'say' enclosing 't' is 'STAY'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for stay that I've seen before include "Rope to brace an upright" , "Remain; corset part" , "Remain behind" , "last" , "Corset strut" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app