Crossword Genius

Bill is reduced strange to tell (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acquaint

'tell' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'bill is reduced strange' is the wordplay.
'bill' becomes 'acc'.
'is reduced' means to remove the last letter.
'strange' becomes 'quaint' (similar in meaning).
'acc' with its final letter taken off is 'ac'.
'ac'+'quaint'='ACQUAINT'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for acquaint that I've seen before include "Get familiar" , "Familiarise" , "Get to come to know" , "get up to date" , "American to introduce" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app