Crossword Genius

Girl being smart a liability, reportedly (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bernadette

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

'smart a liability reportedly' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'girl' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'girl' could be 'bernadet' and 'bernadet' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'te' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'being' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bernadette that I've seen before include "visionary saint" , "woman - even a > saint!" , "Saint of Lourdes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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