Crossword Genius

Each back from a certain direction (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eastern

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'a certain direction' is the definition.
'eastern' can be an answer for 'direction' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'a certain' bit.

'each back' is the wordplay.
'each' becomes 'ea' (abbreviation).
'back' becomes 'stern' (stern means the back of a boat).
'ea'+'stern'='EASTERN'

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eastern that I've seen before include "Earnest (anag.)" , "Indian perhaps" , "towards daybreak?" , "towards the sun" , "From Japan, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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