Crossword Genius

Excerpt from Iliad, it told the same again (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ditto

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

'same again' is the definition.
(the same as previously mentioned)

'excerpt from iliad it told' is the wordplay.
'DITTO' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ditto that I've seen before include "Mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated" , "Likewise" , "Repeat the word(s) above" , "Dot it for the same again" , "Same again, indicated by two dots" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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