Crossword Genius

Told socialist about deceased (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

related

'told' is the definition.
(as in relating a story)

'socialist about deceased' is the wordplay.
'socialist' becomes 'red' (red can informally mean a socialist).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'deceased' becomes 'late' (late can mean dead).
'red' enclosing 'late' is 'RELATED'.

(Other definitions for related that I've seen before include "Treadle (anag) - akin" , "spilled the beans" , "Connected by family ties" , "Like family members" , "Reported" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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