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In the meantime I'm after it (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inter

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

'i'm after it' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'in the meantime' is the wordplay.
'the meantime' becomes 'ter' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'in'+'ter'='INTER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inter that I've seen before include "Place into grave, tomb" , "Football Club at home in San Siro" , "Put under the earth" , "somewhere between ..." , "team from Italy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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