Crossword Genius

Hang about like a sailor? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tarry

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

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

'sailor?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'sailor?' could be 'tar' (tar can mean a sailor) and 'tar' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'like a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tarry that I've seen before include "Leave very slowly" , "Hang around" , "Lag" , "Hot and sticky" , "Wait" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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