Crossword Genius

Time invested in alternative campaign (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

operation

'campaign' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'time invested in alternative' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 'era' (an era is a period of time).
'invested in' is an insertion indicator.
'alternative' becomes 'option' (synonyms).
'era' going within 'option' is 'OPERATION'.

(Other definitions for operation that I've seen before include "working" , "Surgical or military piece of work" , "Manoeuvre - military action" , "battle" , "medical treatment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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