Sooner than finish nowhere (3)

I believe the answer is:

ere

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

'sooner than' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'finish nowhere' is the wordplay.
'ERE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ere that I've seen before include "Before (in poetry)" , "Before (lit.)" , "Before (in time)" , "Before (poetic)" , "Old word for before" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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