One in time can save nine (6)
I believe the answer is:
stitch
'one in time can save nine' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for stitch that I've seen before include "Use a needle - pain in the side" , "One's in time to save eight others" , "Sharp pain in side of body caused by exercise" , "Sewing loop and sharp pain in the side" , "Loop of thread" .)