Crossword Genius

Vain rules, unexpectedly widespread (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

universal

'widespread' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'vain rules unexpectedly' is the wordplay.
'unexpectedly' is an anagram indicator.
'vain'+'rules'='vainrules'
'vainrules' is an anagram of 'UNIVERSAL'.

(Other definitions for universal that I've seen before include "Widespread, worldwide" , "Applying throughout the world" , "All-inclusive" , "Of worldwide scope" , "Everywhere applicable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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