Crossword Genius

Told off old master producing false accusation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smear

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

'told off old master producing' is the wordplay.
'off' suggests deleting specific letters.
'producing' is an anagram indicator.
'old'+'master'='oldmaster'
'oldmaster' with 'told' removed is 'maser'.
'maser' is an anagram of 'SMEAR'.

(Other definitions for smear that I've seen before include "Blur, smudge" , "Spread dirty substance, try to damage reputation" , "sample on slide" , "Discredit" , "Spread a greasy or sticky substance over something" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and The Irish Times.
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