Late translating a narrative (4)
I believe the answer is:
tale
'a narrative' is the definition.
('tale' can be a synonym of 'narrative')
'late translating' is the wordplay.
'translating' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'translate' mean this).
'late' is an anagram of 'TALE'.
(Other definitions for tale that I've seen before include "Fable" , "Story; lie" , "'Story, narrative (4)'" , "Old wives' recital?" , "Story or anecdote" .)