Crossword Genius

Comic before getting tip from mover and shaker (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dodderer

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

'comic' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'getting tip from mover and shaker' is the wordplay.
'getting' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'tip' says the letters should be written in reverse (I've seen 'tipped' mean this).
'from' becomes 'redd' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'mover and shaker' becomes 'doer' (I've seen this in another clue).
'redd' written backwards gives 'dder'.
'dder' going inside 'doer' is 'DODDERER'.

'before' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dodderer that I've seen before include "one unsteady on his feet" , "one both decrepit and shaky" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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