Crossword Genius

Honestly, it's not down back! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

upfront

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'honestly' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'not down back' is the wordplay.
'not down' becomes 'up' ('up' is the opposite to 'down').
'back' becomes 'front' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'up'+'front'='UPFRONT'

'it's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for upfront that I've seen before include "(Of payment) in advance" , "Direct" , "Bold, frank (colloq.)" , "Informally, straightforward or frank" , "Straightforward or prominent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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