What does the cryptic crossword clue "Very late (4)" mean?

The definition is "Very". The wordplay uses a double definition. Double definition The answer is DEAD.

Very late (4)

Independent Cryptic #11642 | 4 Down | 2024-02-02 flower

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Telegraph Prize Cryptic #3097 (2021-02-28) Guardian Cryptic #27692 (2018-12-14)