Crossword Genius

Chief reported truth (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

principal

'chief' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'reported truth' is the wordplay.
'reported' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'truth' becomes 'principle' (I have seen 'Fundamental truth ' mean 'principle' so perhaps 'truth' could also mean 'principle').
'principle' is a homophone of 'PRINCIPAL'.

(Other definitions for principal that I've seen before include "British civil servant" , "Chief - teacher?" , "property" , "Key" , "Cardinal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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