Crossword Genius

History teacher who is a real expert? (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

past master

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

'expert?' is the definition.
(I know that past master is a type of expert)

'history teacher who is a real' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'history' could be 'past' (I've seen this before) and 'past' is present in the answer.
'teacher' could be 'master' (I've seen this before) and 'master' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for past master that I've seen before include "wizard" , "Adept fellow" , "Expert - former office holder" , "Someone with a long and thorough experience in a given activity" , "seen at staff reunions?" .)

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