Crossword Genius

Gobbled eclair they sent up for evaluation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trial

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

'evaluation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'gobbled eclair they sent up' is the wordplay.
'TRIAL' is hidden backwards in amongst the letters.
However, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trial that I've seen before include "Dummy run" , "French actor who sings" , "Court examination; test" , "Legal case" , "Test of suitability" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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