Crossword Genius

Was prepared with sound timber (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

would

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

'was prepared' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'sound timber' is the wordplay.
'sound' shows a homophone (sound like).
'timber' becomes 'wood' (I've seen this in another clue).
'wood' sounds like 'WOULD'.

'with' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for would that I've seen is " If only".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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