Crossword Genius

Gin flavouring is dull reportedly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sloe

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

'gin flavouring' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'dull reportedly' is the wordplay.
'dull' becomes 'slow' (synonyms).
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'slow' is a homophone of 'SLOE'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sloe that I've seen before include "Thorny bush with plum-like fruit" , "Fruit of the blackthorn does't sound fast" , "Musical study" , "Sour blackthorn fruit" , "Sour blue-black fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.