Crossword Genius

Cry reportedly for sea beast (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whale

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

'sea beast' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'cry reportedly' is the wordplay.
'cry' becomes 'wail' (wailing is a kind of crying).
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'wail' is a homophone of 'WHALE'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for whale that I've seen before include "Largest animal" , "Aquatic mammal" , "One wallowing in the drink" , "Biblical swallower of Jonah" , "Moby-Dick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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