Crossword Genius

Was at the same station as the man on the line (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ranked

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

'was at the same station as' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'man on the line' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'man' could be 'ed' (short for Edward) and 'ed' is found within the answer.
'line' could be 'rank' (rank is a kind of line) and 'rank' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ranked that I've seen before include "Placed on scale of quality or value" , "Graded or classified" , "Placed in a hierarchy" , "Rated in order" , "Assigned a class" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app