Crossword Genius

What sounds like bent grass? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rye

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'what sounds like bent' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'like' could be 'y' (similar in meaning) and 'y' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 're' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rye that I've seen before include "A Cinque Port; a grain" , "Burns's body came through" , "Type of grass" , "Grass related to wheat" , "Drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Telegraph.
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