Crossword Genius

Gold on key, little time for lead (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

escort

'lead' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'gold on key little time' is the wordplay.
'gold' becomes 'or' ('or' is the heraldic name for gold).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'key' becomes 'esc' ('Escape' key on a computer keyboard).
'little time' becomes 't' (abbreviation for time).
'or' after 'esc' is 'escor'.
'escor'+'t'='ESCORT'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for escort that I've seen before include "Companion, perhaps for protection" , "One who accompanies, for protection or as an honour" , "giving protection" , "Companion (perhaps paid)" , "Accompanying attendant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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