Crossword Genius

Waste time when there's dirt all over (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

once again

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

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

'waste time when there's dirt all' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'time' could be 'again' (I have seen 'Next time' mean 'again' so perhaps 'time' could also mean 'again') and 'again' is found in the answer.
'when' could be 'once' (synonyms) and 'once' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for once again that I've seen is " encore".)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app