Crossword Genius

Messing around time for minor (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

footling

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

'messing' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are present participle verbs, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'time for minor' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'fooling' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'around' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for footling that I've seen before include "Trivial, irritating" , "foolish" , "of little consequence" , "pretty trivial" , "Trivial, petty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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