Crossword Genius

When to make amends? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atone

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

'make amends?' is the definition.
(to atone is to make amends for a wrong deed)

'when' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'when' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ate' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atone that I've seen before include "Pay the price" , "Make redress" , "Make good" , "Turn away from sin and do penance" , "In agreement - sounds singular" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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