Crossword Genius

Period of inactivity takes place after return of exams (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stasis

'period of inactivity' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'place after return of exams' is the wordplay.
'place' becomes 'is' (I've seen this in other clues).
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'return of' says the letters should be written backwards.
'exams' becomes 'sats' (american school tests).
'sats' back-to-front is 'stas'.
'is' put after 'stas' is 'STASIS'.

'takes' is the link.

(Other definitions for stasis that I've seen before include "Assist (anag.)" , "Stoppage, arrest" , "Assist in state of stagnation" , "Secret police force's" , "Period of equilibrium" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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