Crossword Genius

Timely signals (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pips

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'timely signals' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I can't understand how they can define each other.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pips that I've seen before include "Just beats, maybe at the post" , "Hard seeds in fruit" , "Small fruit seeds" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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