Late change of direction when putting end to old battle (7)
I believe the answer is:
overdue
'late' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for overdue that I've seen before include "Do revue after the appointed time" , "Remaining unpaid after the scheduled time" , "Later than expected" , "after the time specified" , "unsettled" .)