Crossword Genius

Stand up before opening (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

etagere

'stand' is the definition.
(stand for displaying objects)

'up before opening' is the wordplay.
'up' is a reversal indicator (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'before' becomes 'ere' (poetic term for 'before').
'opening' becomes 'gate' (a gate is an opening or entrance).
'ere'+'gate'='eregate'
'eregate' back-to-front is 'ETAGERE'.

(Other definitions for etagere that I've seen before include "Piece of furniture for displaying small ornaments" , "place for knick-knacks" , "Furniture item with shelves" , "Piece of furniture with open display shelves" , "Shelved display stand" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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