Minute cryptic

A cryptic crossword clue reads ""long time in unopened prison" - the answer is "age". Why?

ChatGPT said:

The cryptic crossword clue "long time in unopened prison" leads to the answer "age" through wordplay.

Definition (the straightforward part of the clue): "long time" — this suggests that the answer is a word meaning "a long time." The word "age" fits this definition, as it refers to a long period of time.

Wordplay (the more cryptic part): "in unopened prison" — here, "unopened" suggests removing the first letter of the word "prison." The word "prison" starts with "P," so "unopened prison" becomes "rison."

Now, the word "age" is hidden inside the phrase "in rison" ("in" + "rison"). This suggests that "age" is "in" the remaining letters of the word "prison" after removing the first letter.

Thus, "age" is both the definition ("long time") and hidden within the wordplay ("in unopened prison").

I mean, it's obvious , really.

(Guardian Quick cryptic crossword No 21, 23 across, 3 letters)