Crossword Genius

Marshal Ney was ready for the first item in his diary? (3,5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

new years day

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

'the first item in his diary?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'marshal ney was ready' is the wordplay.
'marshal' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'marshals' mean this (marshal can mean to gather)).
'ney'+'was'+'ready'='neywasready'
'neywasready' with letters rearranged gives 'NEW YEARS DAY'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for new years day that I've seen is " February 1 2003 for the Chinese".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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