Crossword Genius

Opposing voters minutes out of time (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

noes

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'opposing voters' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

'minutes out of time' is the wordplay.
'minutes' becomes 'notes' (notes on a meeting).
'out of' suggests deleting specific letters.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'notes' with 't' removed is 'NOES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noes that I've seen before include "Those disagreeing" , "Negative voters'" , "Negative votes as at committee meetings" , "negative responses" , "People voting against something" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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