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In the country, it's no longer verbal (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pastoral

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'in the country' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'no longer verbal' is the wordplay.
'no longer' becomes 'past'.
'verbal' becomes 'oral' (I've seen this in another clue).
'past'+'oral'='PASTORAL'

'it's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pastoral that I've seen before include "Of shepherds; pupil-welfare (responsibility)" , "(Poem) of country life" , "of minister's duties" , "Country's" , "Country style" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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