Crossword Genius

Editor, sound as a bell, not backing English scientist (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eddington

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

'english scientist' is the definition.
'Eddington' can be an answer for 'scientist' (Eddington is an example). I'm unsure of the 'english' bit.

'editor sound as a bell not backing' is the wordplay.
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'sound as a bell' becomes 'ding' (make a ding sound).
'backing' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'not' in reverse letter order is 'ton'.
'ed'+'ding'+'ton'='EDDINGTON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for eddington that I've seen is " Good neighbour".)

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