Crossword Genius

Read aloud basic flier (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plane

'flier' is the definition.
(planes fly)

'read aloud basic' is the wordplay.
'read aloud' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'basic' becomes 'plain' (both can mean simple).
'plain' sounds like 'PLANE'.

(Other definitions for plane that I've seen before include "barked?" , "What imitates bird" , "Woodworking tool" , "Form of transport" , "Tool for smoothing wood" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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