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Come and go as bird around empty chick (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flicker

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

'come and go' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'bird around empty chick' is the wordplay.
'bird' becomes 'flier' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'chick' with its centre removed is 'ck'.
'flier' enclosing 'ck' is 'FLICKER'.

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flicker that I've seen before include "Spark" , "Glimmer" , "Burn or shine unsteadily" , "Twinkle" , "Vary rapidly in brightness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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