Crossword Genius

Taught to be utterly tense (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

taut

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

'taught to be utterly' is the wordplay.
'to be utterly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue (as uttered).
'taught' sounds like 'TAUT'.

(Other definitions for taut that I've seen before include "Stretched tight or disciplined" , "Held in tension" , "On the slope" , "Pulled or drawn tight" , "Tense, stretched tight" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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