Strange shape of the moon perhaps (5)
I believe the answer is:
phase
'moon perhaps' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'strange shape' is the wordplay.
'strange' indicates an anagram.
'shape' with letters rearranged gives 'PHASE'.
'of the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for phase that I've seen before include "Truman -, US novelist" , "Period within process" , "Aspect of moon" , "stage in process of development" , "Distinct stage" .)