Crossword Genius

Rubbish Conservative a flipping professional liar? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

actor

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'professional liar?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'rubbish conservative a flipping' is the wordplay.
'rubbish' becomes 'rot' (both can mean nonsense).
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'flipping' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'rot'+'c'+'a'='rotca'
'rotca' in reverse letter order is 'ACTOR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for actor that I've seen before include "One taking part" , "Cruise maybe" , "Stage-player" , "One in a play" , "For example, Colman" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.