Crossword Genius

By giving the coppers a bit of bother? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

per

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'by' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'the coppers a bit of bother?' is the wordplay.
'PER' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'giving' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for per that I've seen before include "Preposition indicating by means of" , "According to" , "For each or every" , "Preposition meaning for each" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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