Crossword Genius

Ring, dainty, being held in reserve (2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on ice

'held in reserve' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'ring dainty' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'o'.
'dainty' becomes 'nice' ('nice' can be a synonym of 'dainty').
'o'+'nice'='ON ICE'

'being' is the link.

(Other definitions for on ice that I've seen before include "Where one might find slippers" , "Temporarily suspended" , "Waiting" , "Halted for a while" , "delayed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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