Serpent could be here (7)

I believe the answer is:

present

'here' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'serpent could be' is the wordplay.
'could be' indicates an anagram.
'serpent' anagrammed gives 'PRESENT'.

(Other definitions for present that I've seen before include "Christmas hand-out" , "Current" , "See 12" , "Gift; time now; here" , "available" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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