Crossword Genius

Guide dog money emptied out before game (6-2-6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

follow-my-leader

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

'game' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'guide dog money emptied out' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'guide' could be 'leader' (I've seen this before) and 'leader' is found within the answer.
'dog' could be 'follow' (I've seen this before) and 'follow' is present in the answer.
'money' could be 'm' (abbreviation used in economics) and 'm' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'y' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'before' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for follow-my-leader that I've seen is " Mimicking game".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.