Crossword Genius

The conductor is reportedly mocked (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

guide

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

'reportedly mocked' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'mocked' becomes 'guyed' (guying is a kind of mocking).
'guyed' sounds like 'GUIDE'.

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for guide that I've seen before include "One shows the way to others" , "One who leads" , "Lead or conduct" , "Mentor" , "directory" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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