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Is it always late when it's lit? (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spirit lamp

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'it always late when it's lit?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

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(Other definitions for spirit lamp that I've seen before include "Meths-burning light" , "this'll lighten things up" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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