Crossword Genius

Prunus worked on in the periods before big events (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

run-ups

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in the periods before big events' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'prunus worked' is the wordplay.
'worked' indicates an anagram.
'prunus' is an anagram of 'RUN-UPS'.

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for run-ups that I've seen is " Approaches".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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