Crossword Genius

Implement swallowed? Time's up! (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

too late

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

'time's up' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'implement swallowed?' is the wordplay.
'implement' becomes 'tool' (tool is a kind of implement).
'swallowed?' becomes 'ate' (swallow can mean to eat).
'tool'+'ate'='TOO LATE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for too late that I've seen is " Not in time".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app