Stay alert but don't give timekeeper away! (4,5)
I believe the answer is:
keep watch
'stay alert' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'don't give timekeeper away' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'timekeeper' could be 'watch' (watch is a kind of timekeeper) and 'watch' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'keep' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'but' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for keep watch that I've seen before include "Hold vigil" , "Stay alert" , "hang on to timer" .)