Crossword Genius

Dealer's opening boat business — we're told it could occupy a lot of space (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dark matter

'we're told it could occupy a lot of space' is the definition.
(matter thought to exist in space)

'dealer's opening boat business' is the wordplay.
'opening' suggests taking the first letters.
'boat' becomes 'ark' (ark is a kind of boat).
'business' becomes 'matter' (business can mean some matter or situation).
The initial letter of 'dealers' is 'd'.
'd'+'ark'+'matter'='DARK MATTER'

(Other definitions for dark matter that I've seen before include "A large proportion of the mass of the universe" , "In astronomy, theoretical non-luminous material" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.