Crossword Genius

Wise men, say, are only a little patriotic (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trio

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

'wise men say' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'only a little patriotic' is the wordplay.
'only a little' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TRIO' is hidden in the letters of 'patriotic'.

'are' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trio that I've seen before include "Threesome" , "Chamber group" , "Three together" , "Beethoven's 'Archduke', for instance" , "Riot (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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