Crossword Genius

Being honest, there's no turning back, but article is balanced (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on the level

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'being honest' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'no turning back but article is balanced' is the wordplay.
'no' becomes 'O' (resembles 0 - 'no' can mean 'zero').
'turning back but' becomes 'n' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'article' becomes 'the' (the definite article).
'is balanced' becomes 'level' (I've seen this before).
'o'+'n'+'the'+'level'='ON THE LEVEL'

'there's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for on the level that I've seen before include "Some horse racing is" , "Honest, truthful (colloq.)" , "No tipping" , "Honest - genuine" , "Fair; honestly speaking" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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