Crossword Genius

Rear to be ruthless (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stern

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'rear' is the definition.
(the stern is the rear of a boat)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stern that I've seen before include "Tail of a beagle" , "Harsh at the back of the ship" , "Strict - forbidding" , "Forbidding in aspect" , "Austere rear part of a ship?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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