Unforthcoming of late, holding it back (8)
I believe the answer is:
reticent
'unforthcoming' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'late holding it back' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'recent' (similar in meaning).
'holding' is an insertion indicator.
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'it' reversed gives 'ti'.
'recent' going around 'ti' is 'RETICENT'.
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reticent that I've seen before include "Reserved, loath to talk" , "'Self-effacing, restrained (8)'" , "Quiet" , "Backward in coming forward" , "Holding back" .)
