Crossword Genius

Earth perhaps flat? Thinking initially (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

planet

'earth perhaps' is the definition.
(Earth is an example)

'flat? thinking initially' is the wordplay.
'flat?' becomes 'plane' ('plane' can be a synonym of 'flat').
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'thinking' is 't'.
'plane'+'t'='PLANET'

(Other definitions for planet that I've seen before include "Eg, Mars, Venus" , "Heavenly (or earthly!) body" , "Eg, a ruby" , "Substantial heavenly body" , "Celestial body orbiting round a star" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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