Crossword Genius

Submissive medical man spread lie (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

docile

'submissive' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'medical man spread lie' is the wordplay.
'medical man' becomes 'doc' (doc is a kind of medical man).
'spread' indicates an anagram.
'lie' with letters rearranged gives 'ile'.
'doc'+'ile'='DOCILE'

(Other definitions for docile that I've seen before include "Gentle and teachable" , "Strong desire/impulse" , "'Submissive, easy to control (6)'" , "Gentle and biddable" , "Coiled in submissive way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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