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Broken heart, and a sincere line by popular singer (6,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

common starling

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'broken heart and a sincere line' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'popular singer' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'common' (similar in meaning).
'singer' becomes 'starling' (starling is a kind of birdanimal).
'common'+'starling'='COMMON STARLING'

'by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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