Crossword Genius

Public figure giving hint (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

overtone

'hint' is the definition.
(overtone can mean an implication or hint)

'public figure' is the wordplay.
'public' becomes 'overt' (both can mean well-known or unconcealed).
'figure' becomes 'one' (a numerical figure).
'overt'+'one'='OVERTONE'

'giving' is the link.

(Other definitions for overtone that I've seen before include "Hint" , "Subtle implication or connotation" , "Innuendo perhaps" , "Suggestion" , "Association" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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