Crossword Genius

He refused to accept tyranny or play the informer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tell

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'he refused to accept tyranny or play' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is not.

'the informer' is the wordplay.
'the' becomes 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects).
'informer' becomes 'ell' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
't'+'ell'='TELL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tell that I've seen before include "Make a difference" , "Instruct" , "Grass - Swiss hero" , "blow the whistle" , "Legendary Swiss crossbowman and folk hero" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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