Crossword Genius

Mischief-maker speaks deceitfully and makes insinuations (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implies

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

'makes insinuations' is the definition.
(to imply is to insinuate)

'mischief-maker speaks deceitfully' is the wordplay.
'mischief maker' becomes 'imp' (I've seen this in other clues).
'speaks deceitfully' becomes 'lies' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'imp'+'lies'='IMPLIES'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for implies that I've seen before include "States indirectly" , "Suggests or hints at meaning" , "Insinuates" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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