Crossword Genius

A plain no? (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flat denial

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'a plain no?' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adjective which matches the answer.

'plain no?' is the wordplay.
'plain' becomes 'flat' (flat is a kind of plain).
'no?' becomes 'denial' (no is a kind of denial).
'flat'+'denial'='FLAT DENIAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for flat denial that I've seen is " Absolutely untrue!".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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