What does the cryptic crossword clue "Not on time, when trade is slack (3-6)" mean?

The definition is "is slack". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). OFF (synonym of "Not") + SEASON (synonym of "time,"); definition: "when trade is slack" The answer is OFFSEASON.

Not on time, when trade is slack (3-6)

Guardian Cryptic #27311 | 3 Down | 2017-09-25 flower

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Guardian Cryptic #25785 (2012-11-05)