Crossword Genius

Ready with foil, almost finished wrapping cloth round (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

en garde

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'ready with foil almost' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'finished wrapping cloth round' is the wordplay.
'finished' becomes 'ende' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'wrapping' indicates putting letters inside.
'cloth' becomes 'rag' (rag is a kind of cloth).
'round' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'rag' in reverse letter order is 'gar'.
'ende' enclosing 'gar' is 'EN GARDE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for en garde that I've seen before include "(In fencing) in a defensive stance" , "Warning cry in fencing" , "Fencer's warning cry" , "Get ready to fence" , "The opening position in fencing - mind yourself" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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