Crossword Genius

This might make painter tell a tale (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yarn

'tale' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for yarn that I've seen before include "A long tale" , "Exaggerated story or spun thread" , "Long involved story" , "Sham" , "that'll keep you in stitches?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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