Crossword Genius

Widespread alarm about old sheep (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

panoramic

'widespread' is the definition.
(a panorama offers a wide view)

'alarm about old sheep' is the wordplay.
'alarm' becomes 'panic' (alarm can mean panic or worry).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'old' becomes 'o' (common abbreviation eg in OE for Old English).
'sheep' becomes 'ram' (male sheep).
'o'+'ram'='oram'
'panic' enclosing 'oram' is 'PANORAMIC'.

(Other definitions for panoramic that I've seen before include "Extensive" , "Sweeping" , "all around" , "Widespread" , "All-round (view)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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