Crossword Genius

French leader who turned an East European on (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

napoleon

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

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

'turned an east european on' is the wordplay.
'turned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'east european' becomes 'pole'.
'an' backwards is 'na'.
'na'+'pole'+'on'='NAPOLEON'

'who' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for napoleon that I've seen before include "Ex-dictator" , "leader in France, once" , "Open loan to the French general. strangely" , "card game" , "Corporal and emperor" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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