Crossword Genius

Expert aligned cryptically with clue (7,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leading light

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

'expert' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'aligned cryptically with clue' is the wordplay.
'cryptically' is an anagram indicator.
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'clue' becomes 'light'.
'aligned' with letters rearranged gives 'leading'.
'leading'+'light'='LEADING LIGHT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leading light that I've seen before include "may be an appropriate description of this answer" , "Prominent person" , "Very influential member" , "Is an usher one" , "Influential person" .)

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