Crossword Genius

Scottish runner offering to conserve energy now (3,3,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

for the present

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

'now' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'scottish runner offering to conserve energy' is the wordplay.
'scottish runner' becomes 'forth' (Scottish river. I am not sure about the 'scottish' bit.).
'offering' becomes 'present' (I've seen this before).
'to conserve' indicates putting letters inside.
'energy' becomes 'e' (physics symbol as in E=mco).
'forth'+'present'='forthpresent'
'forthpresent' enclosing 'e' is 'FOR THE PRESENT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for for the present that I've seen before include "Temporarily" , "Extract from thank you letter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.