Is it always late when it's lit? (6,4)
I believe the answer is:
spirit lamp
'it always late when it's lit?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spirit lamp that I've seen before include "Meths-burning light" , "this'll lighten things up" .)