Timely work left by a Parisian (9)
I believe the answer is:
opportune
'timely' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'work left by a parisian' is the wordplay.
'work' becomes 'op' (abbreviation for opus).
'left' becomes 'port' (left side of a ship - opposite of starboard).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a parisian' becomes 'une' ('a' in French).
'op'+'port'+'une'='OPPORTUNE'
(Other definitions for opportune that I've seen before include "Appropriate" , "Well-timed" , "in place" , "Timely, advantageous moment" , "Occurring at a fitting time" .)