Crossword Genius

To be truthful, it could be nicer in the southeast (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sincere

'to be truthful' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'it could be nicer in the southeast' is the wordplay.
'it could be' is an anagram indicator (the same letters could be an anagram).
'in the' indicates putting letters inside.
'southeast' becomes 'se' (synonyms).
'nicer' anagrammed gives 'incer'.
'incer' inserted into 'se' is 'SINCERE'.

(Other definitions for sincere that I've seen before include "Not hypocritical" , "straightforward" , "Perfect" , "Genuine; deceit-free" , "Free from deceit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.