Crossword Genius

Tipster who means everything to the French? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tout

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

'tipster' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'means everything to the french?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'means' could be 'out' (I have seen 'Means of escape' mean 'out' so perhaps 'means' could also mean 'out') and 'out' is present in the answer.
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'who' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tout that I've seen before include "Attempt to sell (something)" , "Tipster who sells information about racehorses" , "Hawk brazenly" , "Try to sell in a direct manner" , "look for custom" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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