Crossword Genius

Policeman has right time – and gossip! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dirt

'gossip' is the definition.
(as in the phrase 'dish the dirt')

'policeman has right time' is the wordplay.
'policeman' becomes 'di' (detective inspector).
'has' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'di'+'r'+'t'='DIRT'

'and' is the link.

(Other definitions for dirt that I've seen before include "Obscenity" , "Grime - scandal" , "Scandalous information" , "Grime - or controversial retention tax" , "Scandalous info; earth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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