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Basic reality in Milton to be changed (6,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bottom line

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'basic reality' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'milton to be changed' is the wordplay.
'changed' indicates an anagram.
'milton'+'to'+'be'='miltontobe'
'miltontobe' is an anagram of 'BOTTOM LINE'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bottom line that I've seen before include "Fundamental factor" , "The basic reality of a situation" , "Essential point (for an accountant?)" , "Fundamental aspect of a situation" , "Profit or loss" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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