Mates before Saturday begins? (7)
I believe the answer is:
friends
'mates' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'before saturday begins?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'saturday' could be 's' and 's' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'friend' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for friends that I've seen before include "Intimates" , "Chums" , "Intimate acquaintances" , "Pals, comrades" , "playmates!" .)