Crossword Genius

Regretted sounding impolite (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rued

'regretted' is the definition.
('rue' can be a synonym of 'regret')

'sounding impolite' is the wordplay.
'sounding' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'impolite' becomes 'rude' (similar in meaning).
'rude' is a homophone of 'RUED'.

(Other definitions for rued that I've seen before include "'Regretted, repented (4)'" , "was remorseful" , "Bitterly regretted" , "Was sorry" , "Was contrite about" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express and The Mirror.
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