Crossword Genius

Time limit is reason you can't phone? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deadline

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

'time limit' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for deadline that I've seen before include "Latest time for doing something" , "Closing date" , "Time by which journalist must file copy" , "a writer may have to meet" , "Time limit as for journalists filing copy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app