Crossword Genius

Boss, supposedly dead cross after returning to nick (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doornail

'boss supposedly dead' is the definition.
(dead as a doornail - boss can mean a metal stud)

'cross after returning to nick' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'rood' (term for a crucifix).
'after returning' says the letters should be written backwards.
'to nick' becomes 'nail' (both can mean to apprehend or arrest).
'rood' in reverse letter order is 'door'.
'door'+'nail'='DOORNAIL'

(Other definitions for doornail that I've seen before include "Stud" , "proverbially dead" , "Dead as a ...-very dead indeed" , "popularly believed dead" , "Dead as a ........ is dead without a doubt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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