Crossword Genius

An outside line to ring? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tangent

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

'an outside line' is the definition.
'tangent' can be an answer for 'line' (tangent is a kind of line). I am unsure of the 'an outside' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tangent that I've seen before include "Straight line resting on a circle" , "Geometric line" , "Completely different line of thought - trigonometrical function" , "A new line of thought" , "Particular line" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent, The Telegraph, The Globe and Mail and The Sun.
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