Crossword Genius

Gnome used to be upside down (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

saw

'gnome' is the definition.
(both can mean a proverb or saying)

'used to be upside down' is the wordplay.
'used to be' becomes 'was' (I've seen this before).
'upside down' is a reversal indicator.
'was' reversed gives 'SAW'.

(Other definitions for saw that I've seen before include "Viewed; adage" , "Spotted" , "Wood-cutting tool" , "Cutting tool or maxim" , "Hand tool; proverb" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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