Crossword Genius

Phoney compiler withheld one answer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liar

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'phoney' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for liar that I've seen before include "Perjuror" , "one telling a story" , "27 [DECEIVER]" , "Untruthful person (Billy in Schlesinger film)" , "Teller of untruths" .)

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