I left in time, moving smartly (5)

I believe the answer is:

agile

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'i left in time moving smartly' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'i left in time' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'time' becomes 'age' (an age is a period of time).
'i'+'l'='il'
'il' placed inside 'age' is 'AGILE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for agile that I've seen before include "Quick in movement" , "Physically quick and nimble" , "Mentally acute" , "Sprightly" , "Quick to move" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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