Crossword Genius

Exerted influence on Bill over special effect? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

affected

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

'exerted influence' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I can't see how they can define each other.

'bill over special effect?' is the wordplay.
'bill' becomes 'ad' (advertisement stuck on wall).
'over' is an insertion indicator.
'special' indicates anagramming the letters.
'effect' is an anagram of 'ffecte'.
'ad' going around 'ffecte' is 'AFFECTED'.

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for affected that I've seen before include "in a pretentious way" , "La-di-da" , "Deeply moved" , "Putting on airs, being emotionally moved" , "Influenced or touched by an external factor" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).
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