Crossword Genius

Was in front for less than the whole distance (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

led

'was in front' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'less than the whole distance' is the wordplay.
'less' indicates a hidden word (the clue less some of the letters in it).
'LED' is hidden in the letters of 'than whole distance'.

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for led that I've seen before include "Took by the hand and showed the way" , "showed the way ahead" , "Was guiding" , "Went at the head of others" , "Went first to show the way" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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