Told but possibly not needing to be (8)

I believe the answer is:

informed

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

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for informed that I've seen before include "Told" , "Passed on knowledge" , "Gave knowledge to" , "Expert" , "Knowledgeable or briefed" .)

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

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