What does the cryptic crossword clue "Working prior to article in which dancers appear alert (2,3,4)" mean?

The definition is "alert". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ON (synonym="ON") + THE (synonym="THE") + BALL (synonym="alert") = ONTHEBALL; definition: "alert" The answer is ONTHEBALL.

Working prior to article in which dancers appear alert (2,3,4)

Guardian Cryptic #29110 | 2 Down | 2023-06-30 flower

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