Crossword Genius

Smart, concealing everything and playing for time (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stalling

'playing for time' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'smart concealing everything' is the wordplay.
'smart' becomes 'sting' (both can mean to burn or hurt).
'concealing' indicates putting letters inside (back).
'everything' becomes 'all' (all things).
'sting' enclosing 'all' is 'STALLING'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Another definition for stalling that I've seen is " Deliberately delaying an event or action".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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