Clever comment pedant keeps back (5)
I believe the answer is:
adept
'clever' is the definition.
(adept can mean clever or expert)
'comment pedant keeps back' is the wordplay.
'keeps' indicates a hidden word.
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'tpeda' is hidden within 'comment pedant'.
'tpeda' reversed gives 'ADEPT'.
(Other definitions for adept that I've seen before include "One who is very skilful" , "Having the required skills" , "capable" , "Proficient, skilled" , "Skilful, expert" .)