Crossword Genius

Very dangerous rumours spread about rising newsman (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

murderous

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'very dangerous' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'rumours spread about rising newsman' is the wordplay.
'spread' is an anagram indicator.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'rising' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (going up in a down clue).
'newsman' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'ed' written backwards gives 'de'.
'rumours' is an anagram of 'murrous'.
'murrous' enclosing 'de' is 'MURDEROUS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for murderous that I've seen before include "Capable of killing" , "Rouse drum (anag.)" , "Extremely arduous or unpleasant" , "violent" , "Homicidal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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