Crossword Genius

Dull poet is sent up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drab

'dull' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'poet is sent up' is the wordplay.
'poet' becomes 'bard' (bard is a kind of poet).
'is sent up' is a reversal indicator.
'bard' reversed gives 'DRAB'.

(Other definitions for drab that I've seen before include "Grey or light brown cloth" , "Dull and monotonous" , "Shabby; a slattern (arch.)" , "Of a dull greenish-brown colour" , "Dowdy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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