Jumping bail Hippogryph reveals proof of being elsewhere at the time (5)
I believe the answer is:
alibi
'the time' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'jumping bail hippogryph reveals proof of being elsewhere' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'bail' is 'alib' which is located in the answer.
A single letter 'i' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'at' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for alibi that I've seen before include "Reason often given to exculpate someone" , "Fact of being elsewhere (legal)" , "Defence against charge - was seen elsewhere" , "Proof of not being at the scene of the crime" , "excuse given" .)