Bit of a brute, perhaps, but dependable (4)

I believe the answer is:

true

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

'dependable' is the definition.
(I know that dependable can be written as true)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for true that I've seen before include "Factually correct" , "not showing 12 [DISHONESTY]" , "Honest and straight" , "Genuine; faithful" , "Right - honourable" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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