Crossword Genius

Set off in time, ahead of scaffolder (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trigger

'set off' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'time ahead of scaffolder' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'ahead of' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters go in front of others).
'scaffolder' becomes 'rigger' (I've seen this before).
't'+'rigger'='TRIGGER'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for trigger that I've seen before include "Gun firing device" , "Start" , "arm with this?" , "Activating device" , "Lever to activate firing mechanism" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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