Eastern sailor hurried back to tell tale (7)

I believe the answer is:

narrate

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'tell tale' is the definition.
'narrate' can be an answer for 'tell' (synonyms). I also know that 'tale' relates to this answer.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for narrate that I've seen before include "'Recount, tell (7)'" , "tell tales" , "Relate events" , "Tell a story, recite" , "Give (film) commentary" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.

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