Crossword Genius

Figure there's time in city with regulation (7,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

statute law

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'figure' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'there's time in city with regulation' is the wordplay.
'there's' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'city with' becomes 'statue' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'regulation' becomes 'law' (I've seen this in another clue).
't' going inside 'statue' is 'statute'.
'statute'+'law' is 'STATUTE-LAW'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for statute law that I've seen before include "output of 11 [LAWMAKER] ?" , "Legislation enacted by Parliament" , "Body of rules" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.