What does the cryptic crossword clue "Long period of time before November (5)" mean?

The definition is "Long". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). YEAR (synonym of "period of time") + N (synonym of "November"); definition: "Long" The answer is YEARN.

Long period of time before November (5)

Telegraph #30799 | 3 Down | 2024-12-17 flower

Visit Telegraph's puzzle site →

Also seen in

Times Cryptic #29137 (2025-01-27)