Crossword Genius

Real reform that is right before time (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earlier

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

'real reform that is right before time' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adverbs. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'real reform that is right' is the wordplay.
'reform' is an anagram indicator (letters in a new form).
'that is' becomes 'ie' (abbreviation for id est, 'that is' in Latin).
'right' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'real' with letters rearranged gives 'earl'.
'earl'+'ie'+'r'='EARLIER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earlier that I've seen before include "at a previous date" , "(Happening) before in time" , "of a bygone age?" , "Beforehand" , "Sooner - previously" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.