Crossword Genius

Prepare for press when it flows back (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tide

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'prepare' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'press when it flows back' is the wordplay.
'press when' becomes 'edi' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'it' becomes ''t' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis).
'flows back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'edi'+'t'='edit'
'edit' back-to-front is 'TIDE'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tide that I've seen before include "(With time) it waits for no man" , "Sea's movement" , "Periodic water movement" , "What might carry" , "Ocean phase" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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