Crossword Genius

It's unusual to return right on time (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rare

'it's unusual' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'return right on time' is the wordplay.
'return' says the letters should be written backwards.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 'era' (I've seen this before**).
'r' after 'era' is 'erar'.
'erar' back-to-front is 'RARE'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for rare that I've seen before include "Might a four-leaf clover be so" , "thin on the ground" , "Bloody (of steaks)" , "may be bloody" , "Rear up, being scarce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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