Crossword Genius

Security requirement that almost makes you late at church (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

latch

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

'security requirement that almost makes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'late at church' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'l' (this could be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'l'+'at'+'ch'='LATCH'

'you' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for latch that I've seen before include "Bar to close" , "retainer" , "Door fastener" , "Small bar for fastening a door" , "Fastening for door or window" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app