Crossword Genius

Bounds of empire shifting over time? I’m not sure (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

perimeter

'bounds' is the definition.
(bounds can mean the perimeter around a place)

'empire shifting over time? i'm not sure' is the wordplay.
'shifting' indicates anagramming the letters.
'over' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time?' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'i'm not sure' becomes 'er' (expression of hesitation).
'empire' with letters rearranged gives 'perime'.
'perime'+'t'+'er'='PERIMETER'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for perimeter that I've seen before include "Outer boundary" , "edge" , "Prime tree (anag.)" , "Exterior of a plane figure" , "Enclosing boundary" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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