Cryptic crossword clue
Shifts and stumbles, starting late

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ALTERS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
L
T
E
R
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Shifts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shifts = alters.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does ALTERS mean?

ALTERS noun
  1. A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
  2. A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.
  3. Anything that is worshipped or sacrificed to.
ALTERS verb
  1. To change the form or structure of.
  2. To become different.
  3. To tailor clothes to make them fit.
  4. To castrate, neuter or spay (a dog or other animal).
  5. To affect mentally, as by psychotropic drugs or illness.
ALTERS noun
  1. (especially in the plural) An identity or headmate of a person with dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder).

Latest crossword clues with full explanations