Crossword Genius

Reportedly instructed to be tense (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taut

'be tense' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'reportedly instructed' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'instructed' becomes 'taught' ('teach' can be a synonym of 'instruct').
'taught' sounds like 'TAUT'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for taut that I've seen before include "Pulled or drawn tight" , "Stretched, pulled tight" , "Tense, stretched tight" , "seaworthy" , "Tightly drawn" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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