Proverb from Conrad, a genius (5)
I believe the answer is:
adage
'proverb' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'from conrad a genius' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'ADAGE' can be found hidden inside 'conrad a genius'.
(Other definitions for adage that I've seen before include "Old saw" , "Old saying; proverb" , "Short statement expressing a general truth" , "True proverb or saying" , "Proverb, maxim" .)