Crossword Genius

Just entering bar, very much in time for larks (6,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bright and early

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

'time for larks' is the definition.
'bright and early' can be an answer for 'time' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'for larks' bit.

'just entering bar very much' is the wordplay.
'just' becomes 'right' (similar in meaning).
'entering' indicates putting letters inside.
'bar' becomes 'ban' (both can mean to outlaw or block).
'very much' becomes 'dearly' (I've seen this in another clue).
'right' put inside 'ban' is 'brightan'.
'brightan'+'dearly'='BRIGHT AND EARLY'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bright and early that I've seen before include "in good time" , "At the crack of dawn" , "first thing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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