Crossword Genius

Grave didn't move, by the sound of it? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

staid

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

'grave' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'didn't move by the sound of it?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found in the answer.
'it?' could be 'sa' (old-fashioned abbreviation for sex appeal) and 'sa' is located in the remaining letters.
The remaining letters 'id' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for staid that I've seen before include "Settled" , "Proper; sedate" , "Sedate and serious" , "Unadventurous, dull" , "Grave, sedate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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