Crossword Genius

Trifle with attorney before midnight (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

today

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

'midnight' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'trifle with attorney' is the wordplay.
'trifle' becomes 'toy' (I've seen this before).
'with' is an insertion indicator.
'attorney' becomes 'DA' (District Attorney).
'toy' going around 'da' is 'TODAY'.

'before' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for today that I've seen before include "Current period of 24 hours" , "The present time or age" , "Modern times" , "Yesterday's tomorrow" , "Nowadays" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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