Crossword Genius

Very tired, though it’s late, be at (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead beat

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'very tired though' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'late be at' is the wordplay.
'late' becomes 'dead' (similar in meaning).
'dead'+'be'+'at'='DEAD-BEAT'

'it's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dead beat that I've seen before include "Exhausted ? useless person" , "Lazy, useless person" , "Informally a down-and-out" , "Completely exhausted (colloq.)" , "Tired out" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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