Crossword Genius

They aren't all that colourful (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tints

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

'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for tints that I've seen is " Shades".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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